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ForAlisa,mysister,friend,andfirstreader

“LETUSNOT,DEARFRIENDS,FORGETOURDEARFRIENDSTHECUTTLEFISH.”

—CAPTAINJACKSPARROWPiratesoftheCaribbean:AtWorld’sEnd

Chapter1

IHATEHAVINGTOdresslikeaman.The cotton shirt is too loose, the breeches too big, the boots too

uncomfortable. My hair is bound on the top of my head, secured in a bununderneathasmallsailor’shat.Myswordisstrappedtightlyto theleftsideofmywaist,apistolundrawnonmyright.

Theclothing isawkwardas ithangs loose inall thewrongplaces.And thesmell! You’d think men did nothing but roll around in dead fish guts whilesmearingtheirownexcrementontheirsleeves.ButperhapsIshouldn’tcomplainso.

Suchprecautionsarenecessarywhenone’sbeinginvadedbypirates.We’reoutnumbered.Outgunned.Sevenofmymen liedeadon their backs.

Twomore jumped overboard as soon as they saw the black flag of theNightFareronthehorizon.

Deserters. They’re the most cowardly filth. They deserve whatever fatecomestothem.Whethertheytireanddrownorgetclaimedbythesealife.

Steeltwangsthroughtheair.Theshiprocksfromtheblastsofcannons.Wecannotholdoutmuchlonger.

“Two more down, Captain,” Mandsy, my temporary first mate, says fromwhereshepeeksthroughthetrapdoor.

“I should be up there, shoving steel between ribs,” I say, “not hiding likesomehelplesswhelp.”

“Alittlepatience,”sheremindsme.“Ifwe’retosurvivethis,youneedtostayput.”

“Survive?”Iask,offended.“Let me rephrase. If we’re to succeed, you really shouldn’t be seen

performingimpressivefeatswiththesword.”“ButmaybeifIjustkilledafewofthem…”Isaymoretomyself.“Youknowwecan’triskthat,”shesays.Thensheaddsabruptly,“Moremen

haveboardedtheship.Ithinkthey’reheadedthisway.”Finally.“Givetheordertosurrender.”“Aye,Captain.”Sheascendstherestofthestepsleadingtothedeck.“Anddon’tgetyourselfkilled!”Ihissafterher.Shenodsbeforetravelingthroughthetrapdoor.Don’tgetkilled,Isayagaininmyhead.MandsyisoneofonlythreeItrust

on this ship. She’s a good gal, very bright, optimistic—and a good voice ofreason,whichIdesperatelyneededduringourvoyage.Shevolunteeredtocome,alongwithtwoothergirlsfrommyrealcrew.Ishouldn’thaveallowedthemtojoinme,butIneededtheirhelpkeepingtheseworthlessmeninline.LifetheselastfewweekswouldhavebeensomucheasierifIcouldhavehadmycrewonthisventure.

“Laydownyourarms!”Icanbarelymakeouthercrythroughthesoundsoffighting.Butthenthings

calm down. Cutlasses clatter to the wooden deck almost instantly. The mencurrentlyundermycommandhadtobeexpectingtheorder.Prayingforit,even.IfIdidnotorderthesurrender,perhapstheywouldhavegivenupontheirown.Bynomeansdoesthiscrewconsistofthebravestbunch.

Iclimbthestairs, lyinginwait justbelowdecks,stayingoutofsight.I’mtoplay the part of the harmless cabin boy. If thesemenwere to discoverwho Itrulyam…

“Check belowdecks.Make sure no one’s hiding.” It’s one of the pirates. Ican’t seehimfromwhere Ihide,but ifhe’sgivingorders,he’seither the first

mateorthecaptain.Itense,eventhoughIknowexactlywhatcomesnext.Thetrapdoorlifts,andahideousfacecomesintoview,completewithafoul,

scragglybeard,yellowteeth,andabrokennose.Meatyarmsgraspmeroughly,hoistingmeofftheladderandtossingmeontothedeck.

It’samiraclethatmyhatstayson.“Linethemup!”I stand asmyweapons are removedby the ugly pirate.Thenhis foot jams

intomybackasheforcesmetomyknees,alongwiththerestofmymen.Ilookdown the lineand relaxas I seeMandsy.SorindaandZimahareunharmedaswell.Good.Mygirlsaresafe.Tohellwiththerestofthecrew.

Itakeamomenttoobservethepiratebarkingoutorders.He’sayoungman,perhapsnoteventwentyyearsofage.Unusual,that.Youngmenarenotusuallythe ones givingorders, especially among crews such as this one.His eyes arealightwiththevictoryofthebattle.Hisstanceissure,hisfaceconfident.He’sprobablyaheadtallerthanI,wereIstanding,withdarkbrownhairthecolorofaseal’scoat.Hisfaceispleasantenoughtolookat,butthatmeansnothingtomewhenIknowhebelongstothiscrew.HenoticesMandsyinthelineup.Herhathasfallenoff,revealingherlongbrownhairandprettyface.Hewinksather.

Allinall,I’dsayhe’sacockybastard.MycrewandIwait insilence forwhatever thepirateshave instore forus.

Smokebillowsaroundusfromthecannonblasts.Debrisisscatteredaroundtheship.Thesmellofgunpowderleachesintotheair,scratchingatthebackofmythroat.

Footstepssoundasamanwalksacross thegangplankthatconnects the twoships. His head points down, revealing nothingmore than a black hat with awhiteplumerisingfromtheside.

“Captain,”thesamepirateshoutingordersfrombeforesays,“allthemenontheshiparebeforeyou.”

“Good,Riden.Butlet’shopethey’renotallmen.”

Afewpiratessnicker.Someofmymenglancenervouslyinmydirection.Fools!They’regivingmeawaytooeasily.“I’vespottedthreelassessofar,butnoneofthemhaveredhair.”Thecaptainnods.“Listenup!”heshouts,raisinghisheadsowecanseehim

forthefirsttime.He’snotmucholderthanhiscockyfirstmate.Islowlytakeinthefacesofthe

piratecrew.Manycan’tevengrowhairontheirchins.It’sanincrediblyyoungpiratecrew.I’dheardthattheNightFarerwasnolongerunderthecommandofthepirate lordJeskor—thathewassucceededbyayoungcaptain,butIhadn’texpectedtheentirecrewtobesoyoung.

“YouhaveallheardthestoriesofJeskortheHeadbreaker,”theyoungpiratecaptaincontinues.“Iamhisson,Draxen.Andyouwillfindthatmyreputationwillgrowtobefarworse.”

I can’t help myself. I laugh. Does he think he can make a reputation forhimselfbytellingeveryonehowfearsomeheis?

“Kearan,”thecaptainsays,noddingtothemanbehindme.Kearanramsthebottomofhisswordontothetopofmyhead.It’snothardenoughtoknockmeout,butitisenoughtohurtlikehell.That’senoughofthat,Ithink.Mandsy’swordsofcautionaresofarfrommy

mindnow.I’mdonekneelingonthefloorlikesomeservant.Bracingmyhandsagainst thewoodendeck, I extendmy legsbackward,hookingmy feetbehindthe heels of the ugly pirate standing there. With one yank forward, Kearantopples backward. I stand quickly, turn around, and takemy sword and pistolfromhimbeforehecanregainhisfeet.

IpointthepistolatDraxen’sface.“Getofftheshipandtakeyourmenwithyou.”

Behind me, I hear scuffling as Kearan finds his feet. I jerk my elbowbackward, connecting with his enormous gut. There’s a large splat as hecollapsestothegroundonceagain.

It’s quiet. Everyone can hear the click of my pistol cocking back. “Leave

now.”Thecaptaintriestopeerundermyhat.Icouldduckunderhisgaze,butthat

wouldmeantakingmyeyesoffhim.Allatonceashot fires,wrenching thepistol frommyhand. It landson the

deckbeforeskitteringoutofsight.Ilooktotherighttoseethefirstmate—Riden—placinghispistolbackinto

hisholster.Aresultingarrogantsmilestretchesacrosshisface.ThoughIwouldliketoslashthelookfromhimwithmysword,Icanadmititwasanimpressiveshot.

But that doesn’t stop me from getting angry. I draw my sword and steptowardthefirstmate.“Youcouldhavetakenmyhand.”

“OnlyifI’dwantedto.”Alltooquicklytwomengrabmefrombehind,oneholdingeacharm.“I thinkyou talkfar toomuchforamerecabinboywhosevoicehasn’tyet

dropped,”thecaptainsays.“Removethehat.”Oneofmycaptorsyanksthehatfrommyhead,andmyhairfallsintoplace,

reachinghalfwaydownmyback.“PrincessAlosa,”Draxensays.“Thereyouare.You’reabityounger thanI

expected.”He’sone to talk. Imaybe threeyears shyof twenty,but I’dbetmysword

armIcouldbesthiminanychallengeofwitsorskill.“Iwasworriedwe’d have to tear apart the ship beforewe found you,” he

continues.“Youwillbecomingwithusnow.”“Ithinkyou’lllearnquickly,Captain,thatIdon’tlikebeingtoldwhattodo.”Draxen snorts, rests his hands on his belt, and turns back toward theNight

Farer. His first mate, however, never takes his eyes off me, as though heanticipatesaviolentreaction.

Well, of course I’m going to react violently, but why should he expect italready?

Islammyheelintothefootofthepirateholdingmeontheright.Hegrunts

and releasesme to reachdown.Then I jab the sideofmy freedhand into theotherpirate’sthroat.Hemakesachokingsoundbeforeplacinghishandsathisneck.

Draxenturnstoseewhatthecommotionis.Meanwhile,Ridenlevelsanotherpistolatme,evenwhilstasmilestillrestsuponhisface.Single-shotpistolstaketimetoreloadwithgunpowderandanironball,whichiswhymostmencarryatleasttwoonthem.

“Ihaveterms,Captain,”Isay.“Terms?”hesaysindisbelief.“Wewillnegotiatethetermsofmysurrender.FirstIwillhaveyourwordthat

mycrewwillbefreedandunharmed.”Draxenremoveshisrighthandfromhisbeltandreachesdownforoneofhis

pistols.Assoonashehasit,hepointsitatthefirstofmymeninlineandfires.Thepiratebehindhim jumpsoutof thewayas thebodyofmycrewman fallsbackward.

“Donottestme,”Draxencommands.“Youwillgetonmyship.Now.”He is certainly eager to prove his reputation. But if he thinks he can

intimidateme,heiswrong.Again I pick up my sword. Then I rake it across the throat of the pirate

recoveringfromthestriketotheneckIgavehim.Riden’seyeswidenwhilethecaptain’snarrow.Draxenpullsoutanothergun

fromhiswaistandfiresatthesecondmaninline.Hegoesdownlikethefirst.I ram my sword into the closest pirate next to me. He cries out before

dropping first to his knees, then to the deck.Theboots Iwear are now stickywithblood.I’veleftafewredfootprintsonthewoodbeneathme.

“Stop!”Ridenshouts.Hestepscloser,pointinghisgunatmychest.Itisofnosurprisetomethathissmileisnowgone.

“If youwantedmedead, youwouldhave alreadykilledme,” I say. “Sinceyouwantmealive,youwillcomplywithmy terms.” Inamatterofseconds, IdisarmKearan,thepiratewhograbbedmefrombefore.Iforcehimtohisknees.

One hand yanks his head back by the hair; the other holds my sword steadyagainst his neck. He doesn’t make a sound as I hold his life in my hands.Impressive, consideringhehas seenmekill twoofhis shipmates.Heknows Iwillfeelnoguiltathisdeath.

Draxenstandsbeforeathirdmemberofmycrew,holdinganewpistol.Thisone’sMandsy.Idon’tletthefearshowonmyface.Hehastothinkmeindifferent.Thiswill

work.“For onewho asked for the safety of her crew, you sure are being callous

whenIkillthemoffonebyone,”Draxensays.“But for everyman I lose, you shall lose one aswell. If you intend to kill

themall after I’monboard, then it doesn’t reallymatter if I lose a fewwhilebargainingforthesafetyoftherest.Youintendtotakemecaptive,Captain.Ifyouwishme toboardyourshipwillingly, thenyouwouldbewise to listen tomyoffer.Or shallwe see justhowmanyofyourmen I cankill asyou try toforcemeover?”

Ridenapproacheshiscaptainandwhisperssomethingtohim.Draxentightenshis hold on his weapon. I feel my heart beating rapidly. Not Mandsy. NotMandsy.She’soneofmine.Ican’tletherdie.

“Stateyourterms,princess.”Hepracticallyspitsoutmytitle.“Andbequickaboutit.”

“The crew is to be unharmed and released. I will come aboard your shipwithoutresisting.Also,youwillbringmyaccessoriesover.”

“Youraccessories?”“Yes,mywardrobeandpersonalbelongings.”HeturnstoRiden.“Shewantsherclothes,”hesaysincredulously.“Iamaprincess,andIwillbetreatedassuch.”Thecaptain looksabout ready toshootme,butRidenspeaksup.“Whatdo

wecare,Captain,ifshewantstogetherselfallfixedupforuseveryday?Iforonewon’tcomplain.”

Softlaughterresonatesfromhiscrew.“Verywell,”Draxensaysatlast.“Willthatbeall,YourHighness?”“Yes.”“Then get your pampered arse over to the ship.Youmen”—he points to a

couple of brutes in the back—“get her belongings to the ship. As for theprincess’screw,getthelotofyoutotherowboats.Iwillbesinkingthisship.It’sa two-and-a-half-daysail to thenearestport ifyourowquickly.AndIsuggestyoudobeforeyoudieofthirst.Onceyoureachtheshore,youwilltakemynoteofransomtothepiratekingandinformhimthatIhavehisdaughter.”

Men from both sides hurry about to carry out orders. The captain stepsforwardandholdsouthishandforthesword.Reluctantly,Igiveitup.Kearan,thepirate I’dbeen threatening, rises tohis feet and scurriesas far frommeaspossible. Idon’tget a chance to smile athis reaction,becauseDraxen landsablowonmyleftcheek.

Mywholebodylurchesfromtheforceofit.Theinsideofmymouthbleedsfromwheremyteethstruckskin.Ispitbloodontothedeck.

“Let’sget one thing straight,Alosa.Youaremyprisoner.While it appearsyou’velearnedathingortwofromgrowingupasthedaughterofthepirateking,the fact remains that youwill be the onlywomanon a ship full of cutthroats,thieves, andblackheartswhohaven’tmadeport in agood longwhile.Doyouknowwhatthatmeans?”

Ispitagain,tryingtogetthetasteofbloodoutofmymouth.“Itmeansyourmenhaven’tbeentoawhorehouserecently.”

Draxensmiles.“Ifyouevertrytomakemelosefaceinfrontofmymenlikethatagain,Imayjustleaveyourcellunlockedatnightsoanyonecanwanderin,andIwillfallasleep,listeningtoyourscreams.”

“You’re daft if you think youwill ever hearme scream.And you’d betterprayyouneverfallasleepwhilemycellisunlocked.”

Hegivesmeanevilsmile. Inote thathehasagold tooth.Hishatsitsatopblackhairthatpeeksunderinlittlecurls.Hisfaceisdarkfromthesun.Andhis

coatisalittletoobigforhim,asifitbelongedtosomeonebeforehim.Stoleitoffhisfather’scorpse,perhaps?

“Riden!”Draxenshouts.“Takethegirlover.Putherinthebrig.Thengettoworkonher.”Gettoworkonher?“Gladly,” Riden says as he approaches. He grasps my arm tightly, almost

hardenoughforittohurt.It’sasharpcontrasttohislightexpression.ItmakesmewonderifthetwomenIkilledwerehisfriends.Hetowsmetowardtheothership.AsIwalk,Iwatchmymenandwomendriftawayontherowboats.Theyrowatasteadypacesoasnottotirethemselvestooquickly.Mandsy,Sorinda,andZimahwillmakesuretheyswappositionsregularlysoeachmancangetaturntorest.They’rebrightgirls.

The men, however, are throwaways. My father handpicked each of them.Some of them owe him money. Some of them got caught stealing from thetreasury.Somedidn’tfollowordersliketheyweresupposedto.Andsomehaveno other fault except for being an annoyance. Whatever the case, my fathergathered themall together inonecrew,andIbroughtnomore than threegirlsfrommyshiptohelpmekeeptheminline.

Afterall,FathersuspectedthatmostofthemenwouldbekilledonceDraxentookme.Luckyforthem,Iwasabletosavemostoftheirmiserablelives.IhopeFatherwon’tbetooupset.

Butthatdoesn’tmatterrightnow.ThepointisthatI’mnowaboardtheNightFarer.

Of course, I couldn’tmakemy capture look too easy. I had a part to play.Draxenandhiscrewcan’tsuspectme.

Theycan’tknowIwassentonamissiontorobtheirship.

Chapter2

IENVYRIDEN’SBOOTS.They’re of a fine workmanship and black as a shark’s hungry eye. The

buckleslooktobepuresilver.Theleatherisfirmandtight.Thematerialfoldsaround his calves in a perfect fit. His steps thud on the deck. Sturdy. Loud.Powerful.

Meanwhile,IconstantlytripasRidendragsmealong.Mytoo-bigbootskeepnearly falling off. Whenever I hesitate so I can readjust them, Riden yanksharderonmyarm.IhavetocatchmyselfseveraltimesbeforeIfalltothefloor.

“Keep up now, lass,” he says merrily, knowing full well I’m incapable ofdoingjustthat.

Finally,Istomponhisfoot.Hegruntsbut, tohiscredit,doesnot letmego. Iexpecthim tohitme like

Draxendid,buthedoesn’t.Hejusthurriesmealongfaster. Icould,ofcourse,breakawayfromhimeasilyifIwantedto.ButIcan’tseemtooadept,especiallywhenpittedagainstthefirstmate.AndIneedthepiratestosettledownaroundmeaftermydisplaybackontheothership.

Thisshipisemptyexceptforthetwoofus.AllofDraxen’smenareoveronmyship,relievingitofanythingvaluable.Fathergavemeenoughcointomakethe pirates happybut not too profitable. If I had been found travelingwithoutanymoney,Draxenwasboundtobesuspicious.

Ridenturnsmetotheright,wherewefaceasetofstairsleadingbelowdecks.

It’sanuncomfortabletripdownward.TwiceImissastepandnearlytumbleallthewaydown.Ridencatchesmeeach time,buthisgrip isalways firmer thannecessary.Myskinwilllikelybebruisedbytomorrow.Knowingthismakesmeangry.

Whichiswhywhenwearethreestepsfromthebottom,Itriphim.He’sclearlynotexpectingit.Hefalls,butIdidn’ttakeintoaccountthattight

gripofhis.So,naturally,hetakesmewithhim.Theimpactispainful.Ridengetstohisfeetquickly,yankingmeupwithhim.Thenheshovesme

intoacornersoIhavenowheretorun.Herakeshisdeepbrowneyesdownandup, regarding me with curiosity. I’m something new. A project, perhaps. Anassignmentfromhiscaptain.Hemustlearnthebestwaytodealwithme.

Whilehewatchesme,Iwonderwhatitishegathersfrommyfaceandstance.My role is the part of the distressed and exasperated prisoner, but evenwhenplayingapart,piecesofaperson’strueselfcansneakthroughthecracks.Thetrick is controlling which part of me I want him to see. For now, it is mystubbornnessandtemper.ThoseIdon’thavetopretend.

Hemust come to some conclusion as he says, “You said you would be awillingprisoner.Icanseeyourworddoesnotmeanmuchtoyou.”

“Hardly,”Iretort.“Ifyouhadgivenmeachancetowalktothebrigwithoutyourhelpinsteadofbruisingmyarm,yourkneeswouldn’tbesmarting.”

Hesaysnothingwhileamusementlightsuphiseyes.Finally,heextendshisarminthedirectionofthebrig,asifheisapotentialpartnerpresentingmewiththedancefloor.

Isteponwithouthim,butfrombehindmehesays,“Lass,you’vethefaceofanangelbutthetongueofasnake.”

I’m tempted to turn around and kick him, but Imanage to holdmyself incheck.TherewillbeplentyoftimeformetobeathimsoundlyonceI’vegottenwhatIcamefor.

I stand tall andwalk the restof theway to thebrig. Iobserve thedifferent

cellsquickly,selectingthecleanestone.Really,itlooksjustliketheothers.ButItrytoconvincemyselfthedarksubstanceinthecornerisdirt.

At least the cell has a chair and a table. I will have a place to put mybelongings.Idon’tdoubtforamomentthatthecaptainwillkeephisword.Itismutuallybeneficialforallpiratecaptainstobehonestwithoneanother,evenifwe’relikelytokilloneanotherintheirsleep.Nodealsandnegotiationswouldbepossiblebetweenrivaling lordswithoutsomesemblanceof trust. It’sanewwayoflifeforeverypirate.Myfatherintroducedtheconceptofhonestyintothepirate repertoire.All the pirateswhowanted to survive under the new regimehad to adopt it. For anyone found being dishonest in their dealings is quicklydisposedofbythepirateking.

Iinspecttheseatofthechair.Everythingistoodirtyformyliking,butitwillhavetodo.Iremovethelargebrownleathercoatfrommyshouldersandcovertheseatandbackofthechairwithit.OnlythendoIsit.

Ridensmirks,probablyatmyclearuneaseinthesequarters.Helocksmeinthecellandpocketsthekey.Thenhepullsoutachairforhimselfandsitsdown,justontheothersideofthebars.

“Whatnow?”Iask.“Nowwetalk.”Imakeashowofsighingdramatically.“Youalreadyhavemeprisoner.Go

claimyourransomandleavemetosulkinpeace.”“I’mafraidyourfather’smoneyisnotallwewantfromyou.”I clutch the neckline of my cotton shirt as though I’m worried the pirates

intendtoundressme.Thisispartoftheact.Itwouldtakealotofmentorestrainme;Ihavenotroublehandlingthreeatatime.Andnomorethanthatwouldfitinthiscell.

“Nooneisgoingtotouchyounowthatyou’redownhere.Iwillseetothat.”“Andwhowillseetoitthatyoudonottouchme?”“Letmeassureyou, Ihaveneverhadneed to forcemyselfuponawoman.

Theycomewillingly.”

“Ifindthathardtobelieve.”“That’sbecauseIhaven’tworkedmycharmsonyouyet.”I laugh scornfully. “As a female pirate raised by other pirates, I’ve had to

fendoffthemostdespicableandpersistentofmen.I’mnottooworried.”“Andwhatwouldyoudo,Alosa, if youhad to fendoff amanwhowasn’t

despicableandpersistent?”“I’llletyouknowwhenImeetone.”He laughs.The sound isdeepand rich. “Fair enough.Butnow tobusiness.

YouareherebecauseIwantinformation.”“That’snice.Iwantacleancell.”Heleansbackinhischair,gettingcomfortable.Perhapsherealizesthiswill

takeawhile.“WheredoesKalliganmakeport?”Isnort.“You’rea terriblequestioner.YouthinkI’mgoingtohandover the

location tomy father’s hideaway? Shouldn’t you ease into the big questions?And since he is your king, youwould dowell to address himwith his propertitle.”

“Since I havehis daughter lockedup, I think I have the liberty to call himwhateverIwish.”

“Hewill kill you and everyone else on this ship. And hewill notmake itquick.” I felt itwasabout time I threwout a threator two.That’swhat a realprisonerwoulddo.

Riden doesn’t lookworried. Not at all. Hewears his confidence as if it ismerelyanotherarticleofclothinguponhisperson.

“It will be difficult for us to return you if we do not know your father’slocation.”

“Youdon’tneedtoknowit.Hewillfindme.”“We will be several days ahead of your father’s men. That’s more than

enoughtimetoescapetosomewherehewillneverfindus.”I shake my head. “You simpleton. My father has men in his employ

throughoutallofManeria.Itonlytakesoneofthemtospotyou.”

“Wearewellawareofyourfather’sreach.ThoughIdon’tseehowhethinksthatmeritshisself-giventitleasking.”

Now it ismy turn to recline inmychair. “You’re jesting, right?My fathercontrolstheocean.Thereisnotasinglemanwhosailswithoutpayingatolltohim.Allpiratesmustpayapercentageoftheirplundertohim.Thosewhodonotare blown sky high from the sea. So tellme, fearlessRiden, firstmate of theNightFarer,ifhekillsmenforshortinghimonmoneyowed,whatdoyouthinkhewilldotothemenwhohavetakenhisdaughter?

“You and this crew are nothingmore than a bunch of little boys playing adangerousgame.Within a fortnight, everymanon the seawill be looking forme.”Ofcourse,Iintendtobeoffthisvesselbeforeafortnighthaspassed.

“Littleboys?”Hestraightensinhischair.“Youmustbeyoungerthannearlyeverymanonthisship.”

After everything I said, that’swhat he held on to? “Hardly.What are you,fifteen?” I’m goading him. I know hemust bemuch older than that, but I’mcuriousastohisactualage.

“Eighteen,”hecorrectsme.“Regardless,myagehasnothingtodowithanything.Ihaveaspecialsetof

skillsthatmakemeabetterpiratethanmostmencaneverhopeofbecoming.”Ridentiltshisheadtotheside.“Andwhatskillsmightthosebe?”“Wouldn’tyouliketoknow?”His grin widens at that. “As I’m sure you’ve already guessed, this is no

ordinarycrew.Wemaybeyounger thanmostmenatsea,butmostofushaveseen the cruelest side of life there is. Themen are ruthless, each one of themalreadykillers.”Foramomenthisfacedrops,andahintofsadnesswashesoverhim.He’sreflectingonsomeformertime.

“Ifyou’regoingtostartcrying,couldyouwaituntilyougetbackondeck?Ican’tabidetears.”

Ridenlevelshisgazeatme.Almostasifhe’snotlookingatmebutthroughme.“You’re trulyaheartlesscreature,Alosa.Youkillwithouthesitating.You

canbesttwomenatatimeinafight.Youwatchyourownmendyingwithoutblinking.IcanonlyimaginethekindofupbringingyoumusthavehadunderthemostnotoriouspirateinallofManeria.”

“Let’snotforgetthefactthatI’mabettershotthanyou.”Helaughs,showinganicesetofteeth.Impressiveforapirate.“IthinkIshall

enjoyour talks togetherover thenextgood longwhile.AndIsincerelyhopeIwillgetachancetoseeyoushootsomeday,solongasI’mnotthetarget.”

“Nopromises.”Thefaintsoundsofshoutingriseabovedeck.Theshipshakesas it releases

morecannons.That’llbeDraxensinkingmyship.Well,it’snotmyship,merelytheshipmyfathergavemeforthismission.Myrealship,theAva-lee,andmostofmyrealcrewaresafeatthekeep.WhileImissboth,I’malsothrilledatthechallengeaheadofme.

Thestepscreakassomeonedescendsthem.Draxencomesintoviewnotlongafter.Threementrailbehindhim,carryingmyeffects.

“Abouttime,”Isay.Thefacesofthethreebrutescarryingmybagsarered,theirbreathingrapid.I

smile.Thatprobablymeanstheygotitall.Idonotpacklightly.Eachoneofthemhuffsastheydropthebagstothefloor.“Careful!”Isnap.The first pirate is rather tall. He almost has to duck in order to traverse

belowdecks. Now that he’s dumped his load, he reaches into his pocket andfumbleswithsomethingthere.Astringofwhatlookslikebeadspeeksout.Somesortofgoodluckcharm,perhaps?

ThesecondstaresatmeasifI’matastymorseloffood.Hemakestheskinatthebaseofmyneckcrawl.Besttostayawayfromthatone,Idecide.

Theman at the back of the group is Kearan. Stars, he’s ugly. His nose islarge, his eyes too far apart, his beard too long and unkempt.His belly hangsoverhisbelttocompletethelook.

Ithinkthatmyopinionofhimcan’tgetanylowerwhenInoticewhat’sinhis

hand.Hetossesacoupleofmydressesontotheheapatthefloor.Iclenchmy teeth.“Wereyoudragging those?On this filthy floor?Doyou

haveanyideahowharditwastofindagirlmysizetostealthosefrom?”“Shutyourtrap,Alosa,”Draxencommands.“I’mstillofhalfamindtotoss

thislotoverboard,mywordbedamned.”Kearan pulls a flask from his many-pocketed coat. He takes a large swig.

“Mightkeepusfromsinking,Cap’n.”“Oh,hush,”Isay.“It’snottoolateformetokillyou.”Hehasthedecencytolooktroubledbeforetakinganotherdrink.Draxen turns around. “Gents, go above andmake ready the ship. Iwant to

leaveimmediately.Kearan,tothehelmwithyou.Awaitmyreturn.”Astheydepart,DraxenstrollsuptoRidenandslapshimontheback.“How

diditgo,brother?”Brother?Draxen’s hair is darker, but his shoulders have the same broadness as

Riden’s.Theyhave the samedarkeyes,butRiden ismorehandsome.No,nothandsome.Rivalingpiratesarenothandsome.They’rebilgerats.

“Wellenough,”Ridenresponds.“She’sverymuchloyaltoherfather.She’sconfidentinhisabilitytorescueher,sincehisreachupontheseaissovast.Herwordsleadmetobelievehe’llbelookingforusinopenwater,soIrecommendwestayclosetoshore.”

Hurriedly, I think back to our conversation, realizing the all-too-revealingmistakesinmyanswers.

Riden’smoreclever thanheseems.Hesmirksatmystartledexpression,orperhapsatthelookofdeathIsendhimafterward.Thenhecontinues.“She’sgotafierytemperamentthatmatchestheredhairatopherhead.She’sintelligent.I’dguessshe’shadsomesortofproperschooling.Asforherfightingandsuch,I’dwagershewastrainedbythepiratekinghimself,whichmeanshetrulycaresforherandwillagreetopaytheransom.”

“Excellent,” Draxen says. “So the blackhearted pirate king would indeed

comeforhisdaughter.”“Probablyinperson,”Ridensays.I’mcarefultokeepmyexpressionthesame.Letthemthinkmyfatherwillbe

lookingforme,ratherthansittingsafeinhiskeep,awaitingmyreport.However,Riden'sspot-onaboutmytraining.Myfatherwouldonlytrustthismissionwithsomeonehehadtrainedhimself.Andhe’sonlyevertrainedoneperson.

“Anythingelse?”Draxenasks.“She’s a dangerous one. She should be kept locked up at all times. I also

wouldn’tletanyofthemenbealonewithher,fortheirsakes.”Ridensaysthatpart jokingly,but thenhe returns toseriousness, takingadeepbreathwhilehecollects his thoughts. “And she’s hiding something.More than the secretswealreadyknowshekeeps.There’ssomethingshereallydoesn’twantmetofindout.”

I stand frommy chair and step up to the bars, mymind reeling. He can’tknowmydarkestsecret.Onlymyfatherandaselectfewknowit.“Howcouldyoupossiblyknowthat?”

“Ididn’t.”Draxenlaughs.Iballmyhandsintofists. IwantnothingmorethantostrikeRiden’scocky

faceagainandagainuntileachofhisteethfalloutofhissmile.But,alas,his face is toofaraway.SoIsettle forgrabbing thesleeveofhis

longshirt.Sincehe’sstillsitting,hefliesheadfirsttowardthebars.Hebraceshishandsagainstthebarssohisfacedoesn’tconnect.That’sfinebyme,becauseitgivesmethetimeIneedtousemyfreehandtopluckthekeytomycellfromhispocket.OnceI’vegotit,Iplaceitinmyownpocketandbackuptothewoodenwallofthecell.

Ridengruntsashestands.“Perhapsyoushouldn’tbeleftalonewithher,either,”Draxensays.“Icanhandleher.Besides,sheknowsthat thelongersheholdsontoit, the

longershe’llhavetoenjoymycompany.”

IremindmyselfthatI’monthisshipbychoice.IcanleaveanytimeIwish.Ijustneedtofindthemapfirst.

I unlock thedoormyself.The twomenallowme tohaulmybags intomycell.Theydon’tbother tohelp.Theywaitas Imake the three trips.Not that Iwanttheirhelp.I’minamoodtobreakbones.Riden’s,mostly.Fatherwouldnodoubtadmiremyrestraint.IlockmyselfbackinthecellonceI’mdone.

Riden holds out his hand expectantly. I hesitate for only a brief momentbefore tossing the key at him.He catches it effortlessly.A lookof skepticismcrosseshis face.Hegrasps a bar of the cell and tugs. It stays firmly in place,locked.

“Can’t be too careful,”Riden says toDraxen. “Did you check through herthings?”

“Aye,” the captain says. “There’s naught but clothes and books in there.Nothingofdanger.Now,Ithinkwe’vehadenoughexcitementforoneday.Let’sgoaboveanddecidethebestlocationtostalltheship.Anditwouldbebestnottotellthelasswherewe’llbe.Don’tneedhergettin’anyideas.”

Draxenmakesforthestairs.Ridenquirksuptherightsideofhislipsbeforefollowing.

Oncethey’reoutofsight,Ismile.Ridenisn’ttheonlyonetohavegatheredinformation during our little chat. I’ve learned that Riden and Draxen arebrothers,sonsofthepiratelordJeskor.I’mstillunsureastowhathappenedtoJeskorandhisoriginalcrewforDraxen to inherit the ship,but I’msure Iwilllearnthat later.Riden’sagoodshot,andhehashiscaptain’sconfidence.Howelse did he manage to convince Draxen not to kill any more of my men? Iwonderwhathewhisperedtohimbackontheothershipandwhyhebotheredtostep in, in the firstplace.Riden’s concerned for themenon this ship,not justwiththenormalconcernthatafirstmatemighthaveforthemenheoversees.Ithink back to when he told me all the men on the ship are killers and howsaddenedhewasbyit.Hefeelsresponsibilityforsomething.PerhapsitistiedtowhateverhappenedtotheoriginalcrewoftheNightFarer.

There aremany secrets aboard this ship, and Iwill have plenty of time todiscover themall, starting tonight. I shakemy rightarm. I feel themetal slidedownandslipintomyhand.

It’sthekeytomycell.

Chapter3

I HAD AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES to snatch the key from Riden. The trick wasfindingaway to lockmyself in thecellbeforeswitching thekeywithanotheroneI’dbroughtonboardwithme.Iguessedthatthekeytomyownship’sbrigwouldbeaboutthesamesize.Ridencouldn’thavenoticedthedifference.

He’snotascleverashethinks.AndIamfarmorecleverthanherealizes.Bigmistakeonhispart.NowthatI’malone,Irummagethroughmybagstofindsomethingsuitable

towear.Ican’tstomachthissailor’soutfitanylonger.It’lltakeanentirebottleofperfumetoridmyskinofthestenchofthelastowner.WhoknowswhenI’llbeallowedabucketofwatertowash?WithCaptainDraxen’scrueldemeanor,I’msureitwillbequitesometime.

Iselectadarkbluecorsetwithwidesleevesthatattachwiththickribbons.Iplacetheseatopawhiteblouse.Thecorsettiesupthefront,soI’mabletodoitmyself.Ineverhadladiestowaitonmelikeland-faringnoblemen’sdaughters.Therearenotmanywomenwillingtoworkforpirates.Andtheonesequippedforalifeatseaarenotwastedasmaids.Myowncrewbackatthekeepisnearlyentirelycomposedofwomen.AfactIamproudof.

Ipullonapairofblackleggingsandapairofcleanbreechesatopthat.Myboots,perfectlysnugandcomfortable,goonnext,extendingall thewayup tomyknees.IsighincontentmentonceI’mdone.Lookinggoodcertainlyhelpstomakeonefeelgood.

HummingasIwork,IgrababooktitledDepthsof theSea fromoneofmybags.It’sanindexofallthecreaturesknowntoliveintheocean.Imemorizedeach entry long ago, and I’ve spent somuch time at sea that I’ve seenmorecreaturesthanchartedintheworkitself.That’swhyIhadnoproblemhollowingoutthebindingofthebookandhidingasmalldaggerinside.

Voicesandfootstepsreachmyears.Iquicklyplacethedaggerintomyrightbootanddropthebookbackwithmyotherthings.IsitdowninwhatIhopeisaninconspicuousmannerasthreemenenterthebrig.

“Shedon’tlooklikemuch,”onesaystotheothers.“ButdidyouseewhatshedidtoGastolandMoll?”anotherasks.“Deadas

rocks.”Thethirdmanremainsquiet,watchingmeastheothersdo.“Haveyoufinishedogling?”Iask.“OrareyouhopingI’llperformtricksfor

you?”“Don’tmindus,” thefirstpiratesays.“It’snoteverydayyouget toseethe

pirateking’sownfleshandblood.”“AndamIwhatyouwereexpecting?”“Theysay thepirateking isasbigasawhaleandas fierceasa shark.We

weren’texpectingatinylittlething.”“Imusttakeaftermymother,”Isay.I’venevermetmymother,soIcouldn’t

sayforcertain,butmyfathertellsmeIreceivedmyredhairfromher.The restof theday ismuch like this.Piratescomeandgo, takingwhatever

chance they can get to see the pirate king’s daughter up close.After the firstbunch,Istaymostlyquiet.

It’s close tonightfallwhenmy last visitor showsup.Whereas all theotherpiratesarrivedingroups,thismancomesalone.

He’snotmuchtolookat,thisone.Mediumheightandbuild.Brownhairandbeard.Hedoes lookolder thanmostof theotherpiratesonboard.Maybenotquitethirty,butit’shardtotellwiththebeardhidingthebottomhalfofhisface.He’sgotagoldcoininhisrighthand,whichhemovesoverhisknuckleswith

ease.“Hello,Alosa,”hesays.“Name’sTheris.”I’d been leaning back on two legs in my chair, but now I swing forward,

straighteningmyself.“Imusthaveseeneverymanonboardpassthroughhereatleastoncetoday.WhyshouldIrememberyou?Orcarewhatyournameis?”

“Youshouldn’t,”hesays,reachingahandupandscratchinghisforehead.Hisfingers move fast, but the movement is unmistakable. He draws the letterK.“I’mnotaveryinterestingmantoknow.”

TheK is forKalligan. It’s the signalmenundermy father’s employuse toidentifythemselves.Therismustbethemanontheshipworkingformyfather.HewouldhavebeentheonewholetmyfatherknowthatthecrewoftheNightFarerwantedtokidnapmeinthefirstplace.

You never know when unfriendly ears are listening in, so I keep theconversationcasual.“Soitwouldseem.”

“Justwantedtocatchaglimpseofthepirateking’sdaughter.”“Andletmecatchaglimpseofyou?”“Precisely. Sometimes survival isn’t about what you can do, but who you

know.”“Noted,”Isayicily.Therisnodsbeforeretreating.Iwasn’texpectingmyfather’smantomakehimselfknowntome.Wehave

different jobs on the ship. Theris’s is to provide my father with informationabout this ship and its captain.Mine is toplay the roleof thief.We shouldn’tneedtohelpeachother.Infact,we’reexpectedtobeabletoperformourtasksalone.

Butmyfatheriscountingonmenottofail.Perhapshisdesiretofindthemapissogreatthathe’sorderedTheristokeepaneyeonme.Ontheonehand,Icanunderstandwhy he wouldn’t want to take any chances, but on the other, I’mdeeplyinsulted.Icanhandlethismissiononmyown,andIwon’tbecallingonTherisforhelp.

***

I have to wait until nightfall before I can start. I can tell when the sun setsbecausemostofthepiratesretirebelow.Ican’tseethemfromthebrig,butIcansmellthem.Theycan’tbefar.Icanimaginethemsleepinginhammocksoronastraw-strewnfloor.Whateveritmaybe,it’sboundtobebetterthanthebrown-cakedfloorI’llbesleepingon.Icringeatthethought.

IstarthummingagainasIshrugonmycoat,whichisfashionedsimilarlytothe justaucorpsmenwear, butminewasmade for awoman’s figure.Mandsymade it forme.Shecanwieldaneedle justaswellas shecanwielda sword,whichisonlyoneofthemanyreasonswhyImadeherpartofmycrew.

Though the coatwill helpme look like anyother sailor if I’m seen fromadistance,IhopeIwon’thavemuchneedtoblendinonceI’mabovedeck.I’mcountingonthecoverofdarknesstomaskme.

Once I’ve gotmy cell unlocked, I silencemy humming. I drift around thelowerareasoftheship,gettingafeelfortheshapeofit.Astorageroomforfoodandsupplies,atreasuryforthepirates’plunder,amodestkitchen,andthemaincrew’s sleeping quarters make up the space belowdecks. Easy enough toremember.

NowIneedtomakeitintothecaptain’squarterswithoutbeingseen.Idon’thaveDraxen figuredoutyet,but if Iwere trying tohide something important,likeamap,I’dkeepitclose.

Thereisapossibility,however,thatDraxendoesn’tevenknowthemapisonboard. It belonged to his father, who is a descendant from one of the threeancient pirate lord lines. (I am, of course, descended from one of the others.)LordJeskormaynothaveeventoldhissonsaboutthemap.Nomatter.Themaphastobeonboard.Jeskorwouldhavehaditherewhenhedied,andDraxen’squartersusedtobehisown.They’remostdefinitelythefirstplaceIshouldlook.

Ipeekupoverthelaststepofthestairs,observingthedeck.It’shardtosee,as themoon isalmostnew.Naughtbuta sliverof light shinesdownupon the

darkdeckoftheNightFarer.Theshipwasonceastandardcaravelship,atypeofvesselused formaritimeexploration.Mostpirates steal them from the landking’sownarmada.Thenwemakeadjustments tofashiontheship toourownliking. I can see that Jeskor has had the rigging redone. He’s exchanged thetraditional lateensailon themainmastwithasquare-riggedsail.Smart,as it’llgive himmore speed. I also noted,while Iwas back onmy father’s ship andwatchingtheNightFarerapproach,thatJeskor’saddedafigureheadbelowthebowsprit.Idoubtthelandkinghaseverhadlargecarvingsofwomenfashionedtothefrontsofhisships.He’smuchtoopracticalforthat.

Thereareonlyafewmenabovedeck.Someone’satthehelm,amansitsinthecrow’snest,andacoupleofothersroamthedecktoensurealliswell.Icantellexactlywheretheyare,becausetheyholdlanternsoutinfrontofthem.

DraxenandRidenwillalreadybeintheirquarters.Assuredlysleeping.Theyjustmadeanimpressivecapture—theywillhavecelebrated.Nowthey’relikelysleepingofftheirdrink.Ianticipatetonight’sventuregoingoversmoothly.

Therearetwoseparatelevelsabovedeckatthesternoftheship.ThelowerlevellikelyholdsRiden’squarters.Thecaptain’swillbeofftheaftercastle.

All I need to do is get past theman at the helm. Luckily forme, themanseemsdrowsy.He lazily leans against the railingwhile holding thehelmwithonehand.

Draxen’sdoorsarelikelyunlocked.Hewouldn’tneedthemlockedwhilehe’sinthere.Unlesshe’sparanoidormistrustingofhiscrew.Hedidn’tseemtobeeithersorttome,soIshouldbeabletogetrightin.

Icrouchonthedeckbesidethestairsthatleaduptothesecondlevel.Iwaitfortheman’sheadtololltotheside.Standingonmytoes,Icarefullycreepupthe companionway.All iswell until I get to the last step,which creaks out asound so loud in the silence, it feels as though I could have heard it frombelowdecks.Ifeelmybodygorigidatmymistake.

The sailor at the helm jerks awake fiercely, turning his head toward thesound.Towardme.“Blastitall,yougavemeastart!Pleasetellmeyou’rehere

torelieveme,Brennol.”He’s too tired, and the sky is too dark for him to tell who I really am.

Quickly, Iplayalong, loweringmyvoiceasmuchas Ican.“Aye.” Ikeepmyresponseshort.I’venoideawhatBrennolsoundslike,andIcan’triskmyvoicebeingoff.

“Thankthestars.I’llbeoff,then.”He heads belowdecks while I stand there. I need to hurry before the real

Brennolshowsupforhisshift.Withoutanotherthought,IslipinsideDraxen’squarters.

Ispothiminstantly,lyingonthebed.Hisfaceisturnedawayfromme,butIcanseethesteadyriseandfallofhischest.He’sout.Acandleburnssoftlynearthebed,offering the rooma little lightandwarmth.Theplace isn’t filthy,butneither is it exactly tidy.This is a small blessing, at least. It’smuchharder tomask thieving when tossing a clean room. It’s easier for the owner to tell ifsomething’sbeentouched.

NowIgettowork,startingatthedesk,wherehehasvariouspapersandmapsstrewnabout.

ThemapIseekwillbedifferentfromtheothers.Forone,it’solder.It’llbefragileanddarkenedwithage.Also, themapwillnotbear the languageof thecommontongue.Itslanguage,too,ismoreancient.Therearefewwhoknowit.Lastly,themapisnotcomplete.Itisoneofthreepieces,separatedlongagoanddispersedtothethreepiratelordsofthetime.Withthethreepiecesunited,thebearerwill be able to find the legendary Isla deCanta, an island heapedwithuntoldtreasureandprotectedbyitsmagicaloccupants,thesirens.

It’s not anywhere on the desk or near it. I checked each drawer for falsebottomsandhiddencompartments.Imoveontothecupboardswherehekeepshisclothes,riflingthrougheverypocketineachgarment.Ifeeladesperateneedtowashmyhandsafterward,butIsquelchtheurge.

InsteadIcontinuetoscourtheplace.Ipickateachwoodenpanelinthefloorto see if anything is hidden underneath. I lightly tap the walls, listening for

irregularitiesthathintatsecretopenings.Istrikethelastwallabittooharshly,andDraxenrollsoverinhissleep.Thankthestars,hedoesnotwake.

Deepsleeper,thatone.Lastly I check under the bed. He’s got a few things here. Thick woolen

stockings,abrokensextant,atelescope.WhenIwanttosighinexasperation,Iswallowinstead.It’snothere.It’snotanywhere in thisroomor theadjoiningwashroomand

sitting room.And thatmeans it’s somewhere else on the ship.But the ship isenormous.Therearecountlesshidingplaces.AndIwillhavetocheckthemalluntilIfindthemap.

I’mgoingtohaveamiserabletimeofit.Openingthecaptain’sdoorquietly,Ipeekmyheadout.I’vespentoverhalf

thenight.Nopointindoinganymoresearchingnow.Mightaswellreturntomycellforsomesleep.

Brennol seems tohavemadehis appearance, andhe lookswide-awake.Hehasbothhandsplacedfirmlyatthehelm.Howtogetpasthim?IfIsimplywalkout,he’llnoticeI’mnotthecaptain.I’mtooshort.

If I could justmake itdown thecompanionway,heprobablywouldn’t takenoticeofme.Butit’sagoodtenfeetaway.ItiptoebackintoDraxen’squartersandsearchforsomethingtouse.

Eventually I find a copper coin. Perfect.Back at the door, I place the coinoverthetopofmythumbandflickittowardtheportsideofthestern.Brennolturns his head in that direction, leaning forward and squinting. Quickly, yetsilently,Imakeforthestairsontherightanddescendthem,rememberingtoskipthestepatthetop.

WhenIhitthedeck,Islammybackintothewallbehindthecompanionway,ducking out of sight. I think I took the final step too loudly. And Brennol isboundtobeevenmorealertnow.Ishouldwaitacoupleofbeatsbeforeheadingbelowdecks.

Adoortomyleftopens.

ThedoortoRiden’squarters.Helooksfirsttohisleft,thentohisright.“IthoughtIheardsomething.’Fraid

I’malightsleeper.Didn’texpectyou,though.”I have only a moment to register the fact that all he has on are a pair of

breechesbeforehereachesforme.Ihavenowhere togo.Betweenthewallsandthestairs, theonlywayout is

through him.And I suppose itmakes sense to simply let him catchme, eventhoughmyinstinctsscreamatmenotto.Iwanttobehere.Ihaveajobtodo.It’sokaytolethimcatchme.“Howdidyougetoutofyourcell?”heasks.Notanounceofsleeptraceshis

words, though he had to have just woken. He grabs me by my upper arms,holdingmeinplace.

Isay,“IstoppedthefirstpirateIsawandaskedreallynicely.”Hisfaceiscloakedinshadows,butIswearIcanhearhissmile.“I’mtheonly

onewhohasakey.”“Perhapsyoudroppedit,then.Thatwascarelessofyou.”Hetoucheshissideasiftograbapocket,thenremembershe’snotwearinga

shirt.AfactIhaven’tbeenabletoforget.Itwouldn’tbesobadifhedidn’tsmellsogood.Piratesaresupposedtostink.

Whydoeshehavetosmelllikesaltandsoap?Heyanksmeforward,andIrealizeIshouldprobablybeputtingforthatleast

alittleresistance.SoIplacemyhandsonhischestandshove.Thenightairisbrisk,butRidenisstillwarmfrombeingwrappedinbed.Warmandsolidandgoodsmelling.

Withiron-grippedfists.Ifhebruisesmyotherarm,Iwillhavetoretaliate.Hehoistsmetothedoorhecameoutof.It’sasdarkastheendofacavein

here,butRidenseems to findwhateverhe’s lookingfor just fine.Hepullsmebackoutsidewithhimandholdssomethingupintheairformetosee.

“ThiswouldbethekeyIsocarelesslydropped,”hesays.“Strange,that.”

Hesighs.“Alosa,whatareyouevendoingouthere?”“You’vekidnappedme.WhatdoyouthinkI’mdoingouthere?”“Therowboatsareoverthere.”Hepointstotheoppositesideoftheship.“So

whywouldyoubelollygaggingaroundmydoor?”“IwantedtokillmycaptorsbeforeIleft.”“How’dthatworkoutforyou?”“Stillworkingonit.”“Ibet.”Downthestairswego,pastthesleepingcrew,andintothebrig.Ridenshoves

mebackintomycell.Thenhetriesthekey.Obviously,itdoesn’tfit.Ridenobserves itmoreclosely.Surprise takesoverhisface.“Youswitched

them.”“Hmm?”Iaskinnocently.Hecomesintothecellwithme.“Giveittome.”“What?”“Thekey.”“Youhavethekeyinyourhand.”“Itdoesn’tfit.”“Youcanhardlyblamemeifyoubrokeit.”Idon’texpecthimtobuyanyofwhatIsay.I’mlearningthatIenjoytoying

withhim. I like thesurpriseand…not respect,but somethingclose to it, thatshowsonhisfacewhenhelearnssomethingnewaboutme.ButIcan’tlethimdiscovertoomuchaboutmytruenature.That’dbedangerous.

Forhim.BecauseIwon’tfail.IcanonlyimaginewhatmyfatherwoulddotomeifI

did.ButI’mnotafraid.I’mdoingthisnotonlyformyfatherbutalsobecauseIwantto.BecauseI’magoodpirateandthehuntis thrilling.BecauseIwanttoreach the siren islandasmuchas anyotherpirate.Perhaps evenmore so. I’mdetermined to do whatever it takes to get the map. If Riden becomes too

difficult,Iwillremovehimfrommypathbyanymeansnecessary.“I’llgiveyouonemorechancetohanditover,princess.”It’s brighter down here. Several lanterns are lit outside the cells. I can see

Riden’sfaceperfectly.Inthegetuphe’swearing,Icanseealotofhimperfectly.“Idon’thaveanything,”Isayagain.Hestepstowardmeslowly,keepinghiseyesonmineashedoesso.Ibackup

untilIhitthewall,buthecontinuestoadvance.Hisfaceistooclose.Icanseeflecksofgoldinhiseyes.They’relovelyeyes.I’dliketostudythemlonger.

Butsuddenlyhishandsareonmyhips.I think Imight stop breathing, but I’munsure. I’m startled, certainly; am I

supposedtoslaphishandsawayorstandstill?Hemoves his hands upmy stomach, never taking his eyes offme.Now I

knowI’mbreathingbecauseI thinkImighthavejustgasped.I’mprettysureIshouldslaphishandsaway.

But I don’t. Once he reaches my ribs, he moves his hands to my arms,runningthemuptomyshoulder.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’rewearing,”hesays.“ButIlikeit.”“Custom-made,”Isay.“Andthenstolenbyyou?”Ishrug.“Whatareyoudoing?”“WhatdoesitlooklikeI’mdoing?”“You’retouchingme.”“I’mtryingtogetmykeyback.”“Soundslikeanexcusetotouchme.”He smiles and leans forward so his mouth is at my ear. “I don’t see you

stoppingme.”“IfIhad,Iwouldn’tbeabletodothis.”Hiseyesshootup inalarm,buthedoesn’thaveenough time toguesswhat

I’mabouttodountilI’vealreadydoneit.Yes,Ikneehim.Rightbetweenthelegs.

Hetakessometimetorecover.Enoughformetoexitthecellandlockhimin.

Hestaresatmelevelly.“Thatwaslow.”“I thought it was rather brilliant, actually. Besides, you said you wouldn’t

touchme.Icanseeyourworddoesnotmeanmuchtoyou.”Ithrowathimthesamewordsheusedonme.

“Andyousaidifwebroughtyourblastedluggageonboard,youwouldn’tputupafight.”

“Ididn’tputupafight.Igotoutofmycagefight-free.”“Lass,letmeoutofthecage.”“Ithinkyou’remoresuitedforitthanIam.”Hebangsafistagainstoneofthebars.“Letmeout.Youknowyouwon’tget

far.AllIhavetodoisyell,andoverhalfthecrewwillbeuponyou.”“And I can’twait to see the looks on their faceswhen they find their first

matetrappedinthebrig.”“Alosa,”hesays,ahintofwarninginhisvoice.“Answersomethingforme,andIwillspareyoutheembarrassmentofyour

crewfindingyou.”“What?”He’sclearlyagitated.IsupposeIwouldbe,too,ifIhadbeenduped

byaprettyface.“When we first met, and I was bargaining for the lives of my crew, you

whispered something to thecaptain.Something thatmadehimstopkillingmymen.Whatwasit?”

Ridenappearsperplexed,butheanswers.“Itoldhimthatifhewishedtokeepthesupportofhiscrew,hewouldbewisetostopencouragingyoutokillthemoff.”

“Didyoucareforthem?ThemenwhoIkilled?”“No.”Hmm,perhapsIwaswrongabouthowmuchhecaresforthemembersofthis

crew.“Thenwhybother?”

“Iansweredyourquestion.Nowletmeout.”Isigh.“Fine.”ThoughIwonderwhyhedoesn’twanttotalkaboutit.Perhaps

I’ve hit on something there. If it wasn’t to do with the men I killed, thenwouldn’tithavetodowithhisbrother?

The cage sings as it unlocks, and I hand the key to Riden. “You and thecaptainarebrothers.”

“I’mawareofthat.”“Whatexactlyhappenedtoyourfather?”Ridenlocksmeinsoundly.Thenhepocketsthekeywithouttakinghiseyes

offofit.Heturnstoleave.“Ikilledhim.”

Chapter4

THEFLOORISDISGUSTING,butsomehowImanagetosleep.WhenIwake,afaceisinchesfrommyhead.

Ishriekandrollaway.EventhoughIrealizenowthathe’sontheothersideofmycell,myheartstillraces.

“Noneedforthat,”thepiratesays.“Justneededalockofyourhairisall.”Myhandflies tomyhead. Indeedseveralstrandshavebeencut.“Whatare

youdoing?I’llkillyouforthat.”“It’sbesttoleavethelassalone,Enwen,”anothermansays.It’sKearan.“Has

athingaboutpeopletouchingher.”“Itneededtobedone,”Enwensays.“Itellyou,redhair’sgoodluck.Keeps

youfromgettingdiseasedan’all.”IrecognizenowthatEnwenisthetallmanwhohelpedcarrymythingsdown

yesterday.“That’s themost ridiculous thing I’veheard,”Kearansays.“Ihopeyouget

sicktomorrow.Youneedtosetyourheadright.”“Youjustwait.Nexttimeaplaguehits,I’llbestrokin’thishairwhileyouall

willbecoughin’anddyin'andsuch.”“Ineedadrink.”“Nah,Kearan.It’stooearlyforthat.”“IfI’mtosurvivetheday,I’llneedtostartearly.”Hepullsouthisflaskfrom

oneofhispockets.

“Whatisthis?”IaskasIstandandstretchoutmyneck.Icanfeelacoupleofcricksinit.AndIsmellworsethanIdidyesterday.Blastedfloor.

“We’reyourguards,MissAlosa,”Enwensays.“Firstmatesaysit’swisetohavesomeonewatchingoveryouatalltimes.”

IeyeKearan.“AndItakeitthatneitherofyouvolunteered.”“That’sthetruthofit,”Kearansays.“Oh,Iwashappytodoit,”Enwensays.“EversinceIsawyouyesterday,I’ve

beenwantin’togetmyhandsonthathairofyours.Veryrare,itis.”“Icanassureyou, ithasnomagicalproperties,”Isay,angrilyfiddlingwith

thepatchofhairthatisnowshorterthantheothers.“Notmagical,”Enwensays.“Justgoodluck.”“Igetsickasoftenasanyotherperson.”“What?”“You said redhairwardsoffdisease. I’vegot awholeheadof it, yet I get

sick.”“Oh.”Enwenlookstroubledforamoment.Hehunchesovermylockofhair,

staringatit.“Well,Isupposeitdoesn’tworkonyoubecauseit’syourownhair.It’sgottobetakenfromsomeoneelseforthelucktowork.”

“SoifIstealitbackfromyou,willitworkforme?”Isaysarcastically.Kearanlaughs,chokingontheruminhismouth.Afewdropsfalltothefloor

ashecoughs.Hesighs.“Bloodywaste,that.”Isitonmychair,alltooawareofthegrimeandslimethatcoateverythingin

thecell,includingme.Ineedtochange,andIneedsomewatertocleanmyselfoff.I’mabouttoaskforthelatter,whenIhearsomeonecomingover.

It’s Riden, of course. He carries with him a tray of food and a dangeroussmile.Atthesight,Ifeelmystomachgrowl.I’mfairlycertainthat’saresponsetothefoodandnotthesmile.

“Enwen,Kearan,you’rerelievedwhileIquestiontheprisoner.ButyouwillreturntothispostonceI’mdone.”

“Aye, Master Riden,” Enwen says. Kearan nods, looking bored. The two

leave.“Hungry?”Ridenasks.“Starving.”“Good.Imanagedtoswipeyousomeeggs.”Ridenunlocksthecellandputs

thetrayonmytable,keepingacloseeyeonmylegs.I’mcertainthat’sbecausehe’swaryofmekickingandnotbecausehesimplywantstostare.Heshutsmebackin,standingsafelyontheothersideofthebars.

Istarteatingatonce,crackingtheboiledeggsandaddingabitofsaltbeforechewing.Iwasheachonedownwithsomewaterfromthecuponthetray.

Ridenseemstobeinhighspiritsonceagain.Itappearsthattherearenohardfeelingsforlastnight.

“So,what’sittobetoday?”Iask.“Moretalkofmyfather?”“Yes.”“Hoping I’ll unintentionally revealwhere thekeep is?You’rewastingyour

breath.”“Whatyouunintentionallyrevealisuptoyou.WhatIwishtodiscussisyour

father’sreputation.”“Whateveryou’veheard,it’sprobablyalltrue.”“Nevertheless,let’sdiscussitanyway.”“Iwantsomewater,”Isay,wipingataspotofdirtonmyarm.“I’llrefillyourglasswhenwe’redone.”“No,Iwantabucketforwashing.Andarag.Andsoap.”“Don’tyouthinkthat’saskingabitmuchforaprisoner?”“And,”Isay,practicallysingingtheword,“Iwantanewoneofeachevery

week.”He scoffs at first. Then he thinks it over. “We’ll see howour conversation

goestoday.IfIlikewhatIhear,I’llmaketheproperarrangements.”Icrossmylegsandleanbackinthechair.“Fine.Let’stalk.”Ridenpullsachairoutandsits.He’swearingahattoday.Atricornewithno

feather. His hair is bound at the nape of his neck. His shirt and breeches fit

nicely.Whiteontop,blackonbottom.“I’ve heard rumors of Kalligan’s dangerous deeds. He’s said to be able to

takeontwentymenatonceinbattle.He’straveledeveryinchofthesea,foughtoff allmanner of sea demons, including a shark,which he fought underwaterwith his bare hands. He makes deals with the devil and encourages evil inothers.”

“Sofar,you’renotwrong,”Isay.“He’sevensaidtobetheonlymantosurviveanencounterwithasiren.”Isnortatthat.“He even bedded her,” Riden continues. “Used the creature’s own tricks

againsther.Nowitsoundstomelikeourdearkingis,atbest,amanipulatorandawildstoryteller.Perhapshe’snotashonestashisnewlawsdemand.”

“Hecanhardlyhelpwhatotherpeoplesayabouthim.”“Andwhatwouldyousayabouthim?”“He’smyfather.Whatmoreneedstobesaid?”“Therearedifferentkindsoffathers.Thosewholoveunconditionally, those

wholoveoncondition,andthosewhoneverloveatall.Whichwouldyousayheis?”

Forthefirsttime,IfeelRidentouchingatsomethingI’dratherleavealone.“Ihardlyseehowthislineofconversationishelpfultoyou.”

“Hmm. You’re deflecting the question. On condition it must be. For if heneverlovedyou,youwouldn’tholdhiminsuchhighregard.Sotellme,Alosa.Whatsortsofthingshaveyouhadtodotoearnyourfather’slove?”

“Theusual.Cheat.Steal.Kill.”Ithroweachresponseoutoffhandedly.Ihopehedoesn’tdetectthedistressIfeel.

“He’s turned you into something. Trained you to become something nowomanshouldeverhavetobe.You—”

“IamwhatIchoosetobe.Youspeakignorantly.Ithinkwe’redonetalking.”Ridenstands,comesclosetothebars.Then,thinkingbetterofit,hebacksout

ofmy reach.“Imeantno insult,Alosa.Consideryourself lucky. It isbetter to

havealittlelovethanitistohaveafatherwhoneverlovedyouatall.”IknowRidenspeaksofhimselfnow.ButI’mstillirritated.IfeelasthoughI

needtosethimstraight.“Everythingmyfatherdid,hedidoutoflove.Hemademe strong. He made me something that could survive in his world. Doesn’tmatterwhathedidtogetmehere.I’mafighter.Thebest.”

Idon’tneedtoblockthememories.That’salltheyare.Memories.Theycan’thurt me. They’re done. It doesn’t matter that my father would haveme fightboysolderandstrongerthanmeeverydaywhileIwasgrowingup.NowIcanbeat themall. Itdoesn’tmatter thatheshotmeonce toshowmethepainofagunshotwound, tohavemepracticefightingwhileinjured.BecausenowIcando it. Itdoesn’tmatter thathewouldstarvemeandweakenme, thengivemetaskstocomplete.Hetaughtmeendurance.NowIcanhandleanything.

“What about you, Riden?” I ask. “What has gotten you towhere you are?Youclaimtobetheonetohavekilledyourfather,yetDraxeniscaptainofthisship.WasDraxen your father’s favorite?Orwas he simply the oldest?Eitherway,whywouldyoulethimtakesomethingyouearned?”

Riden’s face hardens. “Draxen is older. And hewas Father’s favorite. Notthat itmattersnow.Youwere right earlier.We shouldhave stopped talking. Idon’tsupposeyouwishtotellmewhereyourfather’skeepisnow?”

“No.”Henods,unsurprised.“Astorm’scoming,andwehaven’tquitereachedour

destination.Bepreparedforaroughnight.”“Ialwaysam.”I clear my mind rather than replay our conversation. I’m exhausted from

being out so late, so I return to the floor and doze. It’s not as though I haveanythingbettertodo.

Aloudringingsoundjoltsmeawake,sendingmyheartracingforthesecondtimetoday.Someonekickedatthebarsofmycell.

Whenmy eyes focus, I spotDraxen standing beforeme, hands at his belt,plumedhatuponhishead.HewatchesmeasthoughI’msomeprizehe’swon.

Orsomenewtoolhe’sreceived.Isupposeheseesmeasboth.ButIdon’tcare.Intheend,Iwillbethetoolthatendshislife.

My father couldn’t simply take theNight Farer by force. The map couldeasilygetruinedinthestruggleshouldheguntheshipdown.Hehadtosendonepersonaboardtosearchit.Butwhenthisisalldone,Iwillleadthisshipstraighttomyfathersohecankillthemall.ThepiratekingwantsnocompetitionwhensearchingfortheIsladeCanta.

“Howareyoulikingyouraccommodations,Alosa?”“Thefloor’sroughandthecellstinks.”“Fitfortheprincessofthievesandmurderers,don’tyouthink?”“Stillcoulddowithabed.”“You’rewelcometoaskoneofthecrewtoshare.I’msureanyofthemwould

volunteer.”“IfI’msleepinginanyone’sbed,it’llbebecauseI’vekilledhimandtakenhis

propertyasmyown.Haven’tyoulostenoughcrewmembers,Draxen?”“You’re too sure of yourself. I think I should order Riden to add some

beatingsintohissessionswithyou.Mightdoyoubothsomegood.Starsknow,hecoulduseit.”

SinceIdoubtI’llbeable tofinishmynap,Iriseandtakethechair, thoughI’mfarpastboredwiththeconfrontation.Draxenhasnothinginterestingtosay.He’shoping to seeme squirmwith fear.He’s amanwho feedsoffofothers’pain.Sofar,noneofhisintimidationshaveworked.

“I’vegrantedRidenpermissiontoworkonyou,butshouldyoucontinuetobeuncooperative,I’llgivesomeonewithlesscharmachancetoquestionyou.Keepthatinmindwhileyousitdownhere.”

“Betterhopehedoesn’tgetsoftonme.I’dhatetoturnoneofyourownmenagainstyou.”

“Princess, Riden’s dealt with hundreds of women already in his life. He’sneverhadtroubleleavingoneofthem.Youwillbenodifferent.”Hisbootsechothroughtheemptyroomasheleaves.

Draxen’sa realpieceofwork.So isRiden.Theyoperate indifferentways,but their goals are the same, which makes them both equally stupid. Whatmoronswouldthinktostealfromthepirateking?Especiallywithoutsufficientlychecking their crew for spies? It was easy to arrange my “kidnapping” onceTherisprovidedalltheinformationwewouldneed.

I’msurprisedwhenRidencomestovisitmeagain,thistimecarryingabucketofwater,abarofsoap,andafewcleanrags.

IwascertainIhadangeredRidenpastthepointofkindness.IalmostfeelbadforalltheterriblethingsI’vethoughtabouthim.

Almost.“YouhavetenminutesbeforeIsendthemenbacktowatchoveryou.”“I’llonlyneednine,”Isaytobedifficult.Heshakeshisheadbeforeleaving.Theboatrocksalittlehigheratthatmoment.Storm’scomingindeed.I’vegot

agoodpairofsealegsonme.IfeelsturdierontheseathanIdoonland.I’musedtohermovements,herlanguage.She’lltellyouwhatshe’sgoingtodo,ifyoulisten.

I’mcleananddressedinafreshcorset,thisonered,whenKearanandEnwenreturn.

“I’mtellingyou,it’sbadlucktotwistleft.Youshouldalwaysthrustandturnright.Goodluck,thatis.”

“Enwen, if I’m stabbing aman in the heart, it doesn’tmatter if I twist theknife right or left.Eitherway, I’vemanaged to kill the bastard.Whywould Ineedanyluck?”

“Forthenextmanyoukill.Supposeitcausesyoutomisstheheartthenexttime? Then you’ll be wishin’ you took the extra time to twist right the timebefore.Youcan’tkillamangoodandproperifyoumisstheheart.”

“I’mstartingtothinkthatmy‘nexttime’isverysoon.”“Don’tbelikethat,Kearan.YouknowI’mtheonlyfriendyou’vegotonthis

ship.”

“Mustbedoingsomethingwrong.”Kearanalreadyhashisflaskout,butasheraisesittohishead,hefrowns.Empty.Sohereachesintohispocketandpullsoutanotherone.NowIunderstandthereasonforallthepocketsonthecoathewears.Iwould’vesuspectedtheywereforathieftoputhisfinds.No,they’reforholdingmultipleflasksofrum.Iwonderhowmanyhehasinthere.

“Howdoyoufare,MissAlosa?”Enwenasks,turningtowardme,unfazedbyKearan’swords.

“For stars’ sake, Enwen,”Kearan says. “Thewoman’s a prisoner.How doyouthinkshefares?Shutyourtrapforoneblastedmoment,wouldyou?”

“Thewomancananswerherownquestions,”Isay.“Youshouldn’tbe talking,either,”Kearansays.“Don’tneednonoise from

thebothofyou.”Enwenrubshistemple.“MasterRidenonlysaidI‘probably’shouldn’tspeak

toher,onaccountofbeautifulwomenhaveawayofplayingtricksonaman’smind.Butitwasn’tadirectorder.”

“HesaidIwasbeautiful?”Ismirkatthethought.Enwenlookstroubled.“Probablyshouldn’thavesaidthat.”Theshiprocksfasterandfasterastimegoeson.Cominguponastormislike

getting into an argument.There are a fewwarning signs.Things heat up.Butthenthere’sajump.Thestormhitsyoubeforeyou’reready.Andthenyou’retoofarintodoanythingaboutitexceptgetthroughit.

Everything is loud. There’s nothing to hear except the wind and waves.Nothingtofeelexceptthebittercold.IputontheheaviestcoatIowntowardoffthebitterness.Everyonce inawhile, I think Icatchashout fromabovedeck.Butthatcouldeasilybeanechoofthewind.

I have to resort to sittingon the floor.Mychair can’t be trustednot to tip.Enwen sits as well. He pulls something out of his pocket: a string of beads.Maybepearls.

Kearan starts snoring. I know hemust have some affliction of the sinuses,because I can hear him over the storm. He jerks awake suddenly. “Give that

back.”EnwenmustseethestrangelookIshootKearan.Heexplains,“Hetalksinhis

sleepalot.”Kearanrubsathiseyes.“Thisisanastyone.Mighttipusover.”Enwenextendshispearls.“No,itwon’t.I’vegotourprotectionrighthere.”“Ifeelsoreassured.”“Youshould.Stormsareadangeroustimetobeabout.Somemensaythisis

the time when the unpleasant seafolk come roaming out of their underwaterdomains.”

“Youmeanthesirens,”Isay.“Surely,Ido.Theyliketohideinthewaves.Youcan’tseetheminthewater

when the sea isboilingand tumblingandall, but they’redown there.Kickingandpoundingattheboat,helpingthestormtakeusunder.Theywantus.Wanttoeatour flesh,makenecklacesoutofour teeth,andhollowoutourbones tomakeinstrumentstoaidtheirsong.”

“Bloodypoetic,”Kearansays.“Andaloadofrubbish.Anyoneevertellyou,youcan’tbehurtbysomethingyoudon’tbelievein?”

RealizationlightsupEnwen’seyes.“That’swhyeverythingisouttogetme.”IhideasmilebehindonehandwhileKearantugsaflaskout.Sirens have worked up quite the reputation throughout time. They are

considered the deadliest creatures known toman. Storytellers in taverns sharetales ofwomen of extreme beautywho live in the sea, searching for ships towreck,men to eat, and gold to steal.A siren’s song can enchant aman to doanything.The creatures sing to sailors, promising thempleasure andwealth iftheywilljumpintothesea.Butthosewhodo,findneither.

Onceasirenhasaholduponyou,shewillnot letgo.Shecarrieshersailorwithherallthewaytothebottomofthesea,whereshehasherwaywithhim.Thenshestealsallofhisvaluablesandleaveshimtofloatintheabyss.

There are many myths surrounding sirens. Most no one knows fact fromfiction. But this part I do know. All the sirens throughout the centuries have

carriedtheirstolentreasurestoanisland,IsladeCanta.Therecanbefoundthewealthofhistory,treasuresbeyondimagination.

This iswhatmy father seeks.This iswhy I’mhere.This iswhat I’vebeenpreparedfor:stealinganotherpieceofthemap.

Eachofthethreepieceswaspasseddownfromfathertosonforgenerations.One traveled down the Allemos line, eventually falling into Jeskor’s hands,possiblynowDraxen’s.AnotherdowntheKalliganline,nowsafeguardedbymyfather.AndthelastbelongstotheSeradfamily.Vordanwillbeinpossessionofthatone.

Withthethreepiecesunited,thebearerwillbeabletofindthelegendaryIsladeCanta.IslandofSong.AlsocalledtheLandoftheSingingWomen.

“There aren’t any sirens out there,” I say to Enwen. “If there were, you’dalreadybeenchantedtojumpoverboard.Doyouhearanymusic?”

“No,becausethestorm’sblockingit.”“Sothestorm’sagoodthing?”“Yes—no.Imean…”Enwenwrestleswiththatforamoment.EnwenandevenKearanseemtooanxioustosleeptonight.Evenamanwho’s

spenthiswholelifeatseahasreasontofearherwhenshe’sangry.ButnotI.Isleepsoundly.Listeningtohermusic.Theseawatchesoverme.Sheprotectsherown.

Chapter5

THENEXTFEWDAYS and nights pass inmuch the sameway.During the day,Ridencomesdowntoquestionme.Wepokeandprodateachother,tryingtogetanswers.Rarelydoesanythingcomeofit.Healsobringsmemymeals,butasidefromthat,I’malwaysleftaloneinmycell,acoupleofguardswatchingoverme.Theguardsgetswitchedouteverysooften,butKearanandEnwenarebyfarthemostentertaining.

UnfortunatelyforRiden,guardsarenotthedeterrentI’msurehewashopingfor.Eventheyhavetosleep,andoncetheydo,Icreepfrommycellandpokemynosearound the ship.Since themapdidn’t turnup inDraxen’squarters, Idecidetostartmysearchbelowdecksfromsterntoprowandthenmakemywayabove.IchosethisorderbecauseIassumedIwouldbestartingwiththeeasiestplacestosearchandmakingmywaytowardtheharderones.

Butnothingprovestobequickoreasy.When there’s nigh fortymen belowdecks, sleeping, there’s always at least

oneeveryhourwhoneedstopiss inthenight,nodoubtduetoheavydrinkingbeforebed.Ispendhalfmytimeduckingoutofsight,squeezingbetweentightspaces, or holding absolutely stillwhile they rush over to the ship’s edge andthenreturntotheirbeds.

Mysearchistediousandunfruitful,andeachnightImanagetofinishonlyasmallsectionoftheship.

Onmy fifth night aboard the ship, Kearan is snoring loudly while Enwen

countsgoldcoinsoutofasmallpurse.“Haveyoubeengambling?”Iask.“No,MissAlosa,Idon’tliketogamble.”“Thenwheredoesyourmoneycomefrom?”“Canyoukeepasecret?”Ilookpointedlyaroundmycell.“WhowouldItell?”Enwennodspensively.“Isupposeyou’reright.”Helooksdownatthecoins

again.“Well,thisoneIgotfromHonis.Thisone’sfromIssen.Thisone’sfromEridale.Thisone’sfrom—”

“You’restealingthem.”Ismile.“Yes,miss.Butonlyonefromeachman.Ifamanseeshiswholepursegone,

he’llknowsomeone’stakenit,butifhe’sonlymissingonecoin—”“He’llassumehe’slostit,”Isay.“Yes,exactly.”“That’sbrilliant,Enwen.”“Thankyou.”“You’re much smarter than you let on. Do you only pretend to be a

superstitiousfoolsothecrewwillremainunsuspecting?”“Ohno.I’massuperstitiousasyoucanget.”“Andthepartaboutbeingafool?”“Imayoverdothatonejustabit.”Ilaughlightly.ThisisthekindofmanIwouldallowtobeonmyownship,if

he could manage to reserve his stealing for people who weren’t his crewmembers.

“AndwhataboutKearan?”Iask.“What’shisstory?”Enwen looks over at his snoring companion. “Not much is known about

Kearan. He doesn’t talk about himself, but I’ve gathered quite a bit from hissleeptalking.”

“Whathaveyoulearned?”“Whydoyouask?”

“Simplecuriosityandboredom.”“S’poseitwouldn’thurttotellyou.Justdon’ttellKearanIwastheonewho

toldyou.”“Ipromise.”Enwen starts dropping his coins back into his purse. “Kearan has been all

overtheworld.HeknowstheSeventeenIslesinsideandout.He’smetallkindsofpeople,performedallkindsofjobsandsuch.Hewasanadventurer.”

SoKearan not only knows hisway around the ocean, but on land aswell.Unusual forapirate.Our little islesaresoclose together thateveryone travelsbetween them.Each is richwith different food sources. Trade is frequent andnecessary between the isles. As such, whoever controls the sea, controls themoneyoftherealm.

Father tolerates theexistenceofamonarchover the landbecausehehasnowishtoruleoverlandlubbers.Hepreferstokeepcompanyamongthebrutesofthesea.Thelandkingpaystributetomyfatheryearlyinexchangeforlettinghisexplorerssearchthroughtheseafornewlands.

No one has ever managed such a total monopoly over sea travel until myfatherestablishedhisruling.Andsomedayallthatcontrolwillbepasseddowntome,which iswhyIwish toprovemyselfagainandagain tomyfather.MycurrenttaskisoneonalargelistoffeatsI’vecompletedforhim.

IlookoveratKearan’sfatbody,uglyface,andoverallunkemptlook.“Youcertainhe’snotjustadventuringinhissleep?”

“Ohyes.Hemight not look likemuchnow, but that’s because he’s turnedinto amanwhohas lostmuch. Imagine if youwere never satisfiedwith yourlife, Miss Alosa. Imagine that you traveled all over the world, looking forhappiness,lookingforthrillstopassthetime.Imagineseeingeverythingthereisto see and still not finding happiness.Well, thatwould give you a very bleakoutlookonlife,woulditnot?”

“Isupposeitwould.”“There’snotmuchtodoafterthat.Kearanmakeshislivingonthisship.He’s

anuglydrunkbecause it takesaway thepain.Hehasnodesire to live,yetnodesiretodie,either.It’satoughspottobein.”

“Yetyou’rehisfriend.Why?”“Becauseeverybodyneedssomebody.AndIhaven’tlosthopeforKearan.I

believe hewill eventually come into his own, given the right amount of time.Andtherightmotivation.”

Ihonestlydoubtthat,butI’mhumoringhim.“Whydoyouassumehe’slostmuch?”Iask.

“Ihearhimcallingoutawoman’snameatnight.Alwaysthesamewoman.Parina.”

“Whoisshe?”“Noidea,andIdon’tintendtoask.”Enwen spreads out on the floor, ending the conversation. He’s given me

much to think about while I wait for him to sleep before startingmy nightlysearch.

Everyonehassomethingdarkintheirpast.Isupposeit'sourjobtoovercomeit.Andifwecan’tovercomeit,thenallwecandoismakethemostofit.

***

“Feellikeastretch?”Ridenstandsinfrontofmycell,tossingthekeyupintheairandcatchingit.

I’vebeenaboardtheNightFarerforsixdaysnow.Thisisthefirsthe’sofferedtoletmeoutofmycell.

“Doyoulikeflauntingmyfreedomoutinfrontofme?”Iask,eyingthekey.“Youknow,Idogetastrangesenseofamusementfromit.”“Can’tbetooeasyforyoutofeelamusedwhenyouknowIcangetoutallon

myown.”Ofcourse,I’mreferringto thenighthecaughtmesneakingoutandnotallthenightsI’vesnuckoutsincethen.

Ridenstepscloser,droppinghisvoice.“I’vebeentakingexcellentcareofthekey ever since. And if I were you, I wouldn’t mention that little mishap to

anyoneelse.Captain’dgetanideainhisheadifheknew.Andyouwon’tlikehisideas.”

Itiltmyheadtotheside.“Youmeanyoudidn’ttellhimItriedtoescape?”Besttoreinforcethenotion.ThemoreRidendoesn’ttellhiscaptain,themoreofawedgeIputbetweenDraxenandthecrew.Mightbeabletousethatdistancelater.WhoknowswhatelsewillhappenwhileI’ma“captive”atsea?

Iadd,“Perhapsyoushouldgetsomeideasaboutwhathewoulddotoyouifheknew.”

“GuessI’mcountingonthefactthatyou’llbemoreworriedaboutyourownskinratherthanharmingmine.Now,I’mgivingyouabreakfromyourcell.Doyouwantitornot?”

Iappreciatethegesture,butIcan’tsaythatItrustit.“Wherearewegoing?”“We’ve come across a ship that appears to have been abandoned after the

storm.Thevessel isa littleworseforwear,butwemayfindsomesalvageablegoods on board.We’re in the middle of the sea with nowhere for you to goshouldyou try to escape.Thecaptainhasgrantedmepermission tobringyouaboardforthesearch.”

I realize he could be telling me we’re in the middle of nowhere, when inrealitywe’reonlyadayfromland.Impossibletotell.Thoughitdoesn’tmattereitherway. Still, I like knowingwhere I am. The uncertaintymakesme a bituneasy.

“I’malwaysupforsomethieving,”Isay.“SomehowIknewyouwouldbe.”Heletsmeout.Thenhepocketsthekey,thistimeputtingit inhisbreeches

rather thanhis shirt. “I’llbekeepingaclosewatchover this, sodon’tget anyideas.”

“I’venoideawhatyou’reonabout.”Hegrabsmyupperarmandleadsmetowardthestairs.“Mustyou?”Iask.“You’vealreadystatedI’venowheretogo.Can’tIhave

thefreedomtowalkwithoutyouraid?”Ican’thelpbutadd,“Orcanyousimply

not keep your hands offme?Enwen informedme you’re helpless againstmyfemininecharms.”

Ridenlooksunworried.“Ifyou’vebeentalkingtoEnwen,lass,thenI’msureyou’velearnedthathalfofwhathesaysissquidbrain.”

Ismileandleaninhisdirection.“Perhaps.”“Quityoursmilingandgetyourarseupthosestairs.”“Iwouldn’tdreamofgivingyousuchaview.”Nowit’shisturntosmilemischievously.“Youdon’tgettheoptiontowalk

behindme.Don’ttrustyou.Now,upwithyou.”Ondeck,menaretyingdownropes,grabbingtheirweapons,scurryingabout.

Excitementfortheupcomingadventureisalmosttangibleupontheair.Imyselfcanfeel theanticipationof thehunt. Iamnot immuneto theprospectofsomegoodfun.Nopirateis.It’swhywechoosethislife.Becausewe’regoodatit.

Andwehavenomorals.“Ah,HerHighnesshasdecidedtohonoruswithherpresence,”Draxensays.

“Whatdoyousay,gents?Shouldwehavetheladygofirst?”Afewayesandagooddealoflaughteraretheirresponses.Ilookaroundthe

crowdofmenandspotTherisblendinginwiththerestof them.Heglancesatmebutdoesn’tsparemeanyspecialattention.He’sgoodathisjob,thatone.

Ridensaysnothingfrombesideme.Hedoesn’tlookbotheredeitherway.Notthathe should.He isnothere to lookafterme, and Idon’tneedhim to.He’sheretomakesureIdon’tescape,whichhemightbedoingtoogoodajobofattimes.Nottofear.I’vestillgotafewtricksupmysleeve.

“Ifyourmenaretoocowardlytoventureoverbythemselves,”Isay,“thenbyall means, I’d be happy to teach them how to properly secure a ship.” Achallengeandaninsultallwrappedintoone.Myspecialty.

“I’dratherriskyourlifethantheirs.Beoffwithyou.Riden,gowithher.”IthinkitstrangethatDraxenwouldriskmewhenheknowsheneedsmeas

leverage.Isuspecthe’stryingtomakeupforwhathappenedbackonmyship.He placed teaching me a lesson over the lives of his own men. Now he’s

showing thathe’sputtingmeat riskbefore them.It’sacleverplay.Especiallysinceit’sveryunlikelythatanyonewouldstillbeoverattheship.And,asalastprecaution,he’ssendingRidenoverwithme.

Wesecurethegangplankbetweenthetwoships.Thedamagedshipbeforeusappearstobeacargovessel.There’sboundtobelotsoffoodandwateraboard.It’sitsownkindoftreasureouthere.

Thegangplankisplentybigtowalkacrosswithouthavingtotrytobalance.Icouldprobablydo itwithmyeyesclosed.Still, itswidth is small enough thatI’mtemptedtogiveRidenaslightpush.

Asifsensingthis,hesays,“Don’teventhinkaboutit.”“Ialreadydid.”“Icouldhaveyoushot.”“Yourgunwouldhaveahardtimeworkingonceit’swet.”“Ididn’tsayIhadtobetheonetoshoot.”“Butlet’sfaceit,you’dlikethatpleasureforyourself.”Hesmiles.The ship’s mainmast has broken clean off. It lies at an angle on the ship,

supportedbytherailingonthestarboardside.That’lllocktheshipinplaceforsure.Alltherowboatsaremissingfromtheship,whichleadsmetowonderhowfarfromlandwecouldbe.Theshipstillfloats.Itwouldholdthemensteadyforaslongastheirfoodandsupplieslasted,sowhyrowawayifthere’snowheretomakeittointime?

Thedeckisonescatteredmess.Ropesliehaphazardly,someinknots,someincoils.Articlesofclothingsithereandthere, likelyhavingfallenoutof theirowner’sbagsintheconfusion.Thewood’sstillwet.Everything’swet.Wehavetobeextraalertnottotriporslip.

“Anythingvaluablewilllikelybebelowdecks,”Ridensays.“Iknow.”“So,whatareyouwaitingfor?”Iraiseaneyebrow.“You’regoingtomakemegofirst?”

“Can’triskyoutryingtojumpmefrombehind.”“ButIdon’thaveaweapon.”“Thathasn’tstoppedyoubefore.”I can’t help but smile. “Imeant, how can you expectme to go below first

withoutaweapon?”“I’llberightbehindyou.”“That’snotthecomfortyouthinkitis.”“I know.”His brown eyes are alightwithmerriment. I think he enjoys our

little spats. I thinkof themaspartofmyact. I’mplayingapart. If Ikeep toomuchofmyselfhidden,hemightbesuspiciousthatI’mplanningsomething.SoIgivehimtheresistanceheexpects.TheenjoymentIgetoutoftoyingwithhimisanaddedbonus.Icouldhavebeenstuckwithaworsequestioner.Whyhe’snotcaptainingtheNightFarer,I’llneverknow.

“Gonow,Alosa,”hesays.Waterdripsfromeverywhereitseems.Todayisthefirstdayafterthenightof

thestormthattherain’sletup.It’sdarkbelow,furthersuggestingthatnoone’sbelowdecks.

Riden, ever prepared, brought a lantern overwith us.He lights it. Then hehandsittome.“Leadon.”

Wefindthekitchens,wheredriedmeats,well-storedwater,crackers,pickledvegetables, and other seaworthy foods are safely secured in their cupboards.ThesewillallbetakenovertotheNightFarer,nodoubt.

Wepass through the sleepingquarters.Someblankets remain.The smell ismuch better here than back on theNight Farer.Why couldn’t Draxen’s menshowmoreaptitudeforpersonalhygiene?Truly,itbenefitseveryoneonboard.

We’re about to pass into the next room when the candlelight catchessomethingonthefloor.

That would be a sword. Good to know it’s there. If only I could grab itwithoutRidennoticing,but that’sallbut impossible.Aswordwouldbemuchhardertohidethanadagger.

There is nothing else of interest on the ship. At least not anything that’svisible right away. There may yet be some nooks and crannies that remainhidden.Butit’salsojustaslikelythatthecrewmemberstookanythingvaluablewiththem.It’sbeenmyexperiencethatwhenacrisisstrikes,thefirstthingthatmenthinkaboutareallthetreasuretheycantakewiththem.Thoughtsoftheirfriendsandshipmatesusuallycomesecond,ifatall.

“Looksallclear,”Ridensays.“I’ll start lookingdeeper.Kindlygoandhailtherestofthecrewover.”

“Oh yes, I’ll just go hail the crew over. Truly, I enjoy helping the menwho’vekidnappedme.”

“Can’t leaveyoudownherebyyourselfwhile Igo fetch them.WouldyouratherIhauledyouallthewayupthedeckwithme?IknowhowmuchyoulikeitwhenIhavemyhandsonyou.”

Ihuffandheadupthestairs.He’sdifficulttofigureout,thatone.Oneinstanthe seems to try todistancehimself fromme.Thenext I swearhe fanciesme.He’sprobablykeepingmeonmytoes, justas I try todo tohim.Thegameofpredatorandpreycanbeafunone.Whenyou’rethepredator,ofcourse.It’sfuntorubthevictoryintoyourprisoner’sface.Youbeatthem.Youcapturedthem.It’syourright.Fathersaidoncethatifyoucancatchandimprisonaman,thenhis life isyours to takeordowithasyouplease.Hisphilosophyis that ifyouhavethepowertodosomething,thenyoushoulddoit.

Onceondeck,Iwaveatthepirates,signalingthateverythingisallclear.Withnothingelsetodo,Ireturnbelowdecks.Mightaswellcontinuetowalk

andstretchbeforeIgetshutintomycellagain.NotthatIdon’tintendtospendtonightmovingaboutanyway.

“They’reontheirway,”IsayasIentertheroomRidenandIlastchecked:astorageroom.

That’swhentheygrabme.Riden’sshovedface-firstagainst thewall,aswordpointpressedagainst the

middleofhisbackwhilethebearer’sfreehandpushesagainsthisshoulder.Ican

seenow thata fewpanelshavebeen removed from thewall straightahead.Ahidden room. Threemen stand in the roomwith Riden andme: one keepingRidenwhereheis,andnowtwoholdingme.

“Blastit,”Isay.“Youcouldn’thaveshoutedoutawarning?”“Whenasword’spointedatme?”Ridenasks.“Ithinknot.”“Shutup!”oneof themenholdingmeyells.“Howmanyare inyourcrew?

Howmanywillcome?”“Sixty,”Ridensays,exaggeratingthenumberbytwenty.“Stars,”themanholdingRidenatsword-pointsays.“Wecan’tholdthemoff.

Andwecan’tcountontheothersreturningintime.”“Thenwe’lluse’emashostages,”thelastmansays.“We’lltell’emwe’llkill

themembersoftheircrewunlesstheystayback.Wecanbuytime.”“Butwillitbeenough?”“It’llhavetowork.”“But dowe need themboth?Theman looks like toomuch trouble to deal

with.Isayweguthimanddealwiththegirl.”Beingunderestimatedalwaysworkstomyadvantage.ButsometimesIfindit

offensive.Thatoftenmakesmeviolent.ItmakesmequestionwhetherIshouldallow them to kill Riden, just so I can beat the hell out of all three of themwithout Ridenwatching. I couldn’t let him seewhat I’m capable of doing tothem.IhatethatIhavetoholdbacknow.

ThemencontinuetoargueamongthemselvesasIdecidewhattodo.Rideninterruptsmylineofthinking.“Now,Alosa,wouldbeagoodtimefor

youtoemploythatsametacticyoudemonstratedwhenwefirstmet.”“Areyoucertainyouwouldn’tliketohandlethisoneyourself?I’mjust‘the

girl.’”“Stoptalking!”asailorshouts.ButI’mnotreallylisteningtothem.MyeyesareonRiden.Hiseyeswiden

meaningfully,frustratingly.Thenherelaxes.“Please.”“Isaid—”

Perhapsit’s thefact thatRidenrememberedexactlywhatIdidtothosetwocrewmemberswhentheystolemefrommyship.Orperhapsit’sthatIlikethesportofit.Orit’stheideaofshowingthesesailorsexactlywhatIcando.

ButifI’mbeinghonest…it’sbecausehesaidplease.ThispromptsmetoactioninawayIcan’texplain.Islammyheelintothefootofthesailoronmyright.Thenmyfreehandgoes

totheothersailor’sthroat.Iplaceonehandatthebackofeachman’sneck.Withone choking and the other stumbling, it isn’t difficult to connect their heads.Hard.

Thatwasn’t part ofmy routine back on the ship.But a little improvisationgoes a longway. This situation is a bitmore dire. For one, it isn’t one I hadplannedfor.

There’sonlythemanwiththeswordleft.Hestaysrightwhereheis,thoughhiseyeshavewidenedsignificantly.“StaywhereyouareorI’llkillhim.”

Irollmyeyes.“Gorightahead.You’dsavemethetrouble.”I’mnotsurewhetherIshouldlaughornotathisconfusion.“What?”“I’mbeingheldprisonerbypirates.Ifyousaymoreofyourmenarecoming,

thenyoucanhelpme.Wecanusehimasleverageaswassuggestedbefore.”Helookstohisfallenshipmates.“Sorryabout that. Idon’t likebeingheldagainstmywill.Nowplease.Say

you’llhelpme.”Thesailor focusesonRiden,whichgivesmethedistractionIneed toreach

formyboot.“Iswhatthegirlsaystrue?”“Trustme.Thegirl’smoretroublethanshe’sworth,andyoucan’tbelievea

thingshesays.You’dbebetteroffkillinghernow.”I see sweat drip down the sailor’s face. The hand on his sword trembles.

“That’s enough.” He turns his body toward me while keeping his sword onRiden.“I’m—”

Thedaggerfliesstraightandtrue,findingitsplaceinthesailor’schest.ThankthestarsIstillhaditonme.Thedagger-hidden-in-booktrickisoneI

willnever take lightlyshouldIeverneed to intentionallygetkidnappedagain.AnditwasawonderRidenhadn’tcheckedmeforweaponswhenhefoundmesneakingabouttheshipthatnight.

Ridenstandsupstraight.Hismouthisslightlyajar,hiseyeswide.“Ithoughtyou…Ithought—”

“You thought I’d really turned on you. Probably should have, but ohwell.Toolateforthatnow.”

IwalkovertowhereRidenstandswhenothersenterthestorageroom.“Whathappenedhere?”Draxenasks.Helooksneitherworriednorupsetby

thebodiesonthefloor.I wait for Riden to sell me out to save his own skin. He could easily tell

DraxenthatIlefthimtodie,tellingthepiratestocomeaboardwhenanambushwas inplace. Itwouldbe a little farfetched, considering therewereonly threemenonboard.Butstillplausible.

“Itwasmyoversight,”Ridensays. “I thought the shipwasclear. I told thelass togoaboveandbringyouover.Then theycameoutof ahidden room. Ihandledthem.”

“Excuse me?” I say. He is not taking credit for my kills. Not that I needDraxentoknowI’mcapable. Infact, it’sprobablybest thatDraxenthinksI’mnot.

Ridenignoresmyoutburst.“Ithinkyou’llbepleasedwithwhatelseawaitsinthehiddenroom.”

That distracts me. I look over Riden’s shoulder and see three chests filledwithcoins.Therecouldeasilybemorebehindotherpanels.

Draxen’seyesareonfireashestares.Healoneadvances, takingstockofitall.

“They’re smugglers,” Riden continues. “Looks like they’ve just deliveredtheircargo,whateveritmayhavebeen.Isuspectthatafterthestorm,mostofthecrewleft togogetanewshipandreturnhere.Theyweren’tabout toleaveallthiswealth behind.Thesemenwere left here to guard it. I probablywouldn’t

havefoundthemifIhadn’theardoneofthemmovingthroughthewall.”“Yes, yes,” Draxen says. I doubt he heard a word Riden said. He’s still

staringintothewall.“Takethegirlbackover.ThemenandIwillhandlethis.We need to be quick before the rest of their crew returns.” Almost as anafterthought,headds,“Welldone,brother.”

Ridennods.Andjustlikethatit’sbacktothebrigIgo.

***

Ridenopensmycellandthrustsmeinside.“Whatareyoudoing?”Iask.“Followingorders.”“Ithoughtwewerepastyouhaulingmearound.Haven’tweestablishedthatI

canwalkonmyown?”Ridenstandsattheopeningofmycell.Hehasn’tshutmeinyet,buthe’snot

lookingatme.He’slookingattheground.“Whydidyoudoit?”“Dowhat?”“Yousavedme.”“Yes,andthenyoutookcreditforit.Whatkindofthanksisthat?Thatwas

damnedinsulting.Ioughtto—”“Thatwasforyourbenefit.”I’mtoofullofenergytosit.Iusuallyamafterafight—shouldInotexhaust

myself to the point of passing out. Father did have me do that on severaloccasions so I would know what it feels like to be worn thin, so I could bemindfulofmyownstrength.It’simportanttoknowhowmuchenergyIhave,incaserunningbecomesthebetteroption.Butsofarnooneexceptmyfatherhasbeenabletowearmeouttothepointoflosingconsciousness.

“Justhowexactlywasthatformybenefit?”Ridengrowsveryserious.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’redoing.Idoknowyou

hadanopportunitytoescapefromusbackthere,andyoudidn’ttakeit.Andyou

stoppedthemfromkillingmewhenyouhadnoreasonto.Nowthatleavesmewith two notions. Either you’re not so despicable and heartless as your prioractionswouldsuggest.Oryouhavesomesortofulteriormotiveforkeepingmealiveandstayingonthisship.”

“I’mstillnotseeinghowyouclaimingmykillsisakindnesstome.”RidenthinksI’muptosomething,eh?GuessIwillhavetoupmyact.Ineedtoridhimoftheidea.

“Youdon’tknowmybrother.Soallowmetoexplainsomethingtoyou.Ifhethinks you’re up to something, he’ll kill you. Now I owe you my life. Soconsidermysilencepartofmyrepayment.”

“There’snothingtobekeptquiet.You’reoverlookingathirdoption,Riden.”“Andwhat’sthat?”“I was looking out formyself. Therewas no guarantee I could trust those

men.IftheyfoundoutwhoIwas,theycouldtrytousemeforleveragejustasyoudo,especiallyifthey’resmugglers,aswesuspect.Andifsomethingweretohappen to you, Draxenwould have someone else questionme. And there’s agoodchanceI’dhatehimmorethanIdoyou.”

Ridenwatchesme.Noamusement.Nogratitude.Noanything.Whatishethinking?Finally, he says, “I suppose I didn’t think of that.Of course I should have

consideredthatyouronlyconcernwasforyourself.”“I’mapirate,”Iremindhim.“Yes.Ijustcan’tfigureoutifyou’reagoodpirateorareallygoodpirate.”“I’mnotsureIknowwhatthatmeans.”“Justknowthatwhateveritisthatyou’rehidingfromme,Iwillfigureitout.”Clinkingmetal beats a steady rhythm.Not that of swords, but of chains. I

knowthesoundwell,asI’vespentmuchtimepracticinghowtogetoutofthem.Atthesound,Ridengoesaheadandlocksmeintothecell.Didhedecidethat

ourconversationwasover,ordoeshenotwantDraxentoseehimtalkingtomethroughanopendoor?

Draxenandtwopirates—onewhoI’veneverseenbeforeandthethirdpiratewho helped bringmy things downwith Enwen and Kearan—lead two of thesmugglers,who are clad inmanacles, down the stairs.The conk to the head Igave them must not have been enough to kill them. ’Tis a shame for them,because death likely would have been better than whatever the pirates couldhaveinstore.

Imayalsobeaprisoner,but theyneedmealiveand ingoodhealth if theyexpectaransomfrommyfather.Thesetwosmugglers,however,donotneedtobetraded.Nordotheyneedinformationfromthembecausethegoldhasalreadybeenfound.Thefactthattheywerebroughtonboardalive,then,spellsdisasterforthem.

“Whatisthis?”Ridenasks.“Ulgin’sgettingabitrestless,”Draxensays.“Ithoughthecouldusethis.”Ridennods,thoughhedoesn’tlookhappyaboutwhatheknowswillhappen

next.Yetheopensanewcellfarawayfrommine.ThepirateIassumeisUlginleadsthesmugglersinside.

“And I came down to collect you,” the captain continues. “What with ourfortunatefindandall,Ifigurethemencoulduseapaydayonland.There’slotsofgoldtobespent.Iwantyoutooverseethedistributionofeachman’sshare.Weshouldbeupontheshorebynightfall.”

Iknewwewereclosetoland,despiteeveryone’smisleading.Thesmugglerswho left their shipmates aboard their broken shipwould have had to take thetimetofindanewshipandthenfindwheretheiroldonehaddriftedoffto.It’snowondertheyhaven’tcomebacktoityet.AndratherfortunateforDraxenandhiscrewthattheyhappenedtostumbleacrossit.

“Whatarewetodowiththeprincess?”“Nothingatall.That’swhyIbroughtSheckdownhere.He’llbeguardingher

untilwereachland.”“Isthatreallysuchagood—”“Ithinkshe’sbeenhavingtoogoodatimeofit,Riden.It’stimeweremind

herwhoweare.Don’tknowwhyyouchoseKearanandEnwen,ofallthecrew,toprimarilyoverseeher.Iftheydidn’thavetheirparticulartalents,Iwouldhavetossedthemoverboardlongago.Almostbloodyuseless.”

Ridenlookslikehewantstoargue.Verybadly.Buthedoesn’t.“Let’sseetothegold,then,”hesaysinstead.

ForthefirsttimeIturnmyattentiontoSheck.Andnearlyjumpaway.He’spresseduptothebars,staringhungrilyatme.Ifeelasthoughratscrawl

acrossmyskin.Actually,IthinkIwouldpreferitifratswerecrawlingagainstmyskin.

WhenIwaslittleandfacedwithanewchallengeeachday,Iwouldlooktomy father forhelp.Hewould instructmeand then sendme into the firepit—figurativelyspeaking.Ialwaysgotburned.AndIlearnedquicklythatturningtohimforhelpwasuseless.Heneverassisted. Ieither succeededor suffered theconsequencesoffailing.Therewasnorelief.Longafterward,Imightbegivensomeadviceandencouragement.Sometimesevencomfort.Butinthemoment,therewas no aid. Itwasn’t long before I learned to stop turning to others forhelp.It’sneveranoption,soIdon’teventhinkaboutit.

WhichiswhywhenIamfacedwiththehot-bloodedpirate,myfirstresponseisnottolooktoRiden.OrtoaskDraxentohavesomeoneelseguardme.No,Ihandlemyproblemsalonebecausethatisthewaythingsare.

“There isn’t a problem, is there, Alosa?”Draxen asks. His sneer is full ofpoison.

Isay,“I’veneverhadaproblemIcouldn’thandlemyself.”

Chapter6

THOUGHMYTIMESPENTwithSheckandUlginwasonlyafewhours,itfeltlikemuch,muchlonger.

ItstartedwithSheckwalkingbackandforthinfrontofmycell,nevertakinghis eyesoffme.Occasionallyhewould reach through thebars, as if he couldgrabme.Hewas trying to get a response fromme.To seeme afraid. I nevergave him the satisfaction. I stayed to the far end of the cell the whole time.Though Iwas tired and could have used a rest before I sneak out ofmy celltonight, I didn’t nap. I couldn’t risk rolling over in my sleep, coming withinreachofSheck’ssearchinghands.

But that was not all that prevented me from sleeping. There was also thescreaming. Ulgin, like Sheck, is not a complicated pirate to figure out. Eachpiratehastheirvice.Forsomeitisdrinking,forothersit’sgambling,forthoselikeSheck,itisderivingforcedpleasurefromastrugglingwoman.

ButUlgin—his is seeingpain in others. So I sat, facing away,whileUlgintorturedthosesmugglerstodeath.

Draxenkeepsvilemeninhiscompany,butIamneithersurprisednorterriblybotheredbyit.Myfatherhasmuchworsemenathisdisposal.SomeofthemIknowenjoythetasteofhumanflesh,rightoffalivingbody.

Ihavenosuchcreatureswithinmyowncrew. Ivalueother traitsaboveanaffinity for torture andpowerover thoseweaker thanoneself. I valuebrilliantminds,honestsouls,andthosewithlongendurance.Iforgerelationshipsbased

ontrustandmutualrespect,notfearandcontrol.Empathy forhuman life is somethingmyfather tried tobeatoutofme.He

thinks he succeeded.Most people do. And while I can kill evil men withoutguilt,thesufferingofotherspainsmeaswellasitdoesthem.Ithurts,butIcanhandle it. Bad things happen to people who may not be deserving of suchpunishment.Theworldcontinueson.Icontinueon.Becauseifnothingelse,I’masurvivor.

SoitiswithreliefthatIlookuponthedeadsmugglers.Theirpainisgoneatlast.

Shortlyafter,RidencomesbelowwithtwopiratesIhaven’tmet.“You’rerelieved,Sheck.Goashorewitheveryoneelse.Youmay,too,Ulgin,

onceyou’vecleanedthisup.”Riden’spostureisstiff,andhelooksatSheckwithsuchdisgust,I’msurprisedhistonedoesn’treflecthisfeelings.

Sheck hasn’t said a word during the whole time he’s been down here. Iwonder if he can talk at all. He looks me up and down one last time, as ifmemorizingeverypartofme.Thenheracesoutofsight.

Riden turns tomenext,his faceblanknow.“This isAzekandJolek.TheywillbewatchingoveryouwhileIgoashoreaswell.”Ridenstepsrightuptothebars,tryingtogetoutofearshotofeveryoneelse.“Iknowtoexpectsomesortofattemptatfleeingfromyou,whatwithusbeingsoclosetoshoreandall.Soletmesaveyouthetrouble.Therearefivemenguardingtheshipabovedeck.Theyknowtowatchoutforyou.”

There’s a slithering sound; Riden and I turn to seeUlgin dragging a sheettoppedwiththebodiesofthesmugglersoutofthebrig.

Ridenlooksatmethen,anditmightbethepoorlighting,butIswearhiseyesare wetter than usual. He is not anywhere close to tears, but he might befeeling…something.

“I’msorry,”hewhispers.Andthenhe’sgone.He’s apologizing as though Sheck and Ulgin are somehow his fault. Or

maybe he’s apologetic for some other reason. I never know with Riden.Sometimesitfeelslikehe’stryingtohelpme.Othertimes,he’sobviouslydoingthe complete opposite. He subjected me to Sheck and Ulgin, yet he neverordered me to give him my dagger. I know he saw me take it off the deadsmugglerbackon theship.Did itsliphismind?Ordidhewantme tohave itwhileIwasbelowdeckswiththosetwo?

Eitherway,Istilldon’tknowwhattomakeofRiden.Doesn’t matter at the moment, anyway. I have a more pressing problem.

RidenassumesIwilltrytoescapethisshipinsomeway.Healreadysuspectsmeofbeingup to something.Ofbeingmore than just aprisoneron this ship.HeknowsI’mhidingsomething.

WhichmeansifI’mtokeepupappearances,I’llhavetoescapetheship.Thengetcaughtonpurpose.Oh,theridiculousthingsonehastodowhenoneisapirate.The twopiratesordered toguardme sit in frontofmycell, playingdice. I

supposethatsincethey’renotpermittedtogoashoreandspendtheirmoney,thenext best thing is to gamble. I myself like to gamble as well, just not withmoney.

“Sixesbeatssevens,don’tit?”asksAzek.“Suresdo.Butninesbeatsthemall,”Joleksays.“Thenhowcomesyouhavemorepointsthanme?”“BecauseI’mbetterwithnumbers.”Honestly, it doesn’t look like either of themcan count verywell.But each

timetheotherstartstogetahead,asimilarargumentwillbreakout.They’rebothsofocusedonthegamethattheydon’tpayanyattentiontome,

whichworksperfectlytomybenefit.Ireturntooneofmybags,theoneholdingthebooks,andtakeoutabookon

sailing, another subject I have mastered. The spine of this book holds mylockpicks.

ThesimplefactisthateachtimeIbreakoutofmycellandgetcaught,Riden

willbedeterminedtolearnhowImanagedit.Mykey-swaptrickwasboundtoworkonlyuntilRidentriedtousethefalsekey.NowIhaveasecondmethodforgetting out of my cell, which I’ve been using for the last several days. It’sactually been quite easy, since Kearan and Enwen fall asleep quickly, andKearan’ssnoringmaskstheclickingofthelock.

Azek and Jolek don’t look up until the door creaks open.They stand fromtheirchairsandstareatme.

“Didn’tthinksshecoulddothat,”Azeksays.“Youdon’tthink,”Joleksays.“Youjustpretendsto.”Ratherthanletthemmakethefirstmove,Igrabeachmanbythecollaratthe

back of his neck.Easier to strike than to dodge, Father says. I use the samehead-bashing trick I performedbackon the smuggling ship. I take care not tobreakeitherman’sneck—iffornootherreasonthanthefactthattheydidn’tleeratmeasSheckdid.

ThedeckisnearlyemptywhenIgetuptop.Theremightbeacoupleofmenleaningagainst the railingnear thebowof the ship. Iwonder ifRidenmerelyexaggerated thenumberofmenwhowouldbeguarding theshipor ifsomeofthe pirates abandoned their posts. Being left behind is never a pirate’s firstchoicewhenthere’sgoldtobespent.

Icanseetheshoreahead.It’snotfar,butIstillneedaboat.“Abandoningyourmission?”avoiceasksmefrombehind.I spin around and findTheris standing casually, a coin between two of his

knuckles.Glancingoveratthebowoftheship,Inotethattheothermenondeckhaven’tnoticedmeyet.

“Ihavebusinessonland,”Isayquickly.“Didyoufinishwhatyouweresentheretodo,then?”It’sastruggletokeepmyvoicequietwhenallIwanttodoislashathim.“No

—notthatit’sanyofyourbusiness.I’llbebackshortly.”“Ihavemyorders,andmakingyoupartofmybusinessisoneofthem.”Blastmyfather.Canhenottrustmetodothisalone?“That’snice,butIdon’t

needorwantyourhelp,sostayoutofmyway.”“I’ll do better than that. I’ll distract themen so you can go ashorewithout

beingnoticed.”“That’snotnecessary—”“I’lldoitanyway.”Iglanceheavenward.ThenIreachforthepulleytolowerdownarowboat.“You’renotgoingtoswimit?”Therisasks.Ilookovermyshoulder,narrowingmyeyes.“WhywouldI?”“Iwouldhavethoughtitwouldbeeasierforyou.Isitnot?”Justwhatdoesheknoworthinkheknowsaboutme?HowmuchdidFather

tellhim?“Ithoughtyouweredistractingthemenforme.”“AndIthoughtyoudidn’tneedmyhelp.”IignorehimonceIhearthelightsplashoftheboatconnectingwiththesea.

His footsteps finally recedeas I lowermyselfdownwithanother rope.PuttingTherisoutofmymind,Istartrowing.’Tisnotmyfavoriteactivity.Whengoingashorewithmycrew,Ialwaysmakesomeoneelsedoit.

Sucharetheprivilegesofbeingcaptain.Can’tbemorethanafewminuteswhenIreachshore.It’snight,andnoone

ispatrollingthedock.Goodthing,becauseIhaven’tanymoneyonme.NotthatIcan’tjustprocuresome.Butthattakestimeandalittleplanning.I pullmy coat aroundmemore tightly.The night air is brisk, as is typical

during the fall. Some of Maneria’s more southern isles experience warmtemperatures year-round, but here in the northeast, the winds and waters arealwayscold,savewhenitistheheartofsummer.

Itravelfartherinland,tryingtogetasenseofwhereIam.IknowthatwhenIwastaken,Iwasoveratwodays’ridefromthesouthsideofNaula.We’vebeenon the sea for only about seven days.We could have just gone around to theothersideof the isle.Clever, that.Mostwouldassumethatafterakidnapping,theperpetratorswouldwanttogetasfarawayaspossiblefromwherethecrime

tookplace.WordmusthavegottenaroundtomyfatherthatIsucceededingettingaboard

theNightFarer.I’msurehe’llwantareportsoon.Imightaswellwritehimnowsince I’m on land. Who knows when I’ll have such an opportunity again?Besides, it’sbest towaitawhilebefore I let thepiratescatchmeattempting to“escape.”Can’tmakeitseemlikeIgotawaytooeasily.

Ididn’twanttoletTheristurnmein.Iknowthewholepointofthislittlesideventureisgettingcaught,butlettingTherisdoitwouldfeellikeusinghishelp.AndIwon’tbedoingthat.

I continueheading inland.Therewillbe someoneworking formy father inthepiratequarteroftown.Therealwaysis.FatherhasamanineachmajorportcityinalltheSeventeenIsles.Thetrickwillbefiguringoutwhoheis.Icanusethe signal that men inmy father’s employ exchange. But how I’ll be able tosignalmyfather’smanwithoutgettingcaughtbyall thepiratesfromDraxen’screw,whoarealsolikelytobethere,firstwillbethetrickybit.

AsIwalkthecitystreets,Istarttofeelatinglingatthebackofmyneck.I’mbeingfollowed.Is itamemberofDraxen’screw? Iwouldhate tobecaughtalready.But it

wouldn’tbetheworstthingintheworldifFatherdidn’treceivealetterfromme.So long as it’s not Theris trying to keep an eye out for me. I will start

retaliatingwithviolenceifhebecomestoomeddlesome.I look behind me casually, as if I’m only observing the night sky or

something else that’s caught my fancy. There is definitely a figure in theshadows.Maybemorethanone.

We’restoppedbetweentwotownhomes.I’mnotonthestreet,justagrassyareathatseparatesthetwohouses.Thegrassiswet,softenedbytherainfalloverthelastseveraldays.I’venoweaponsonme,savethedaggerinmyboot.

There can’t be too many of them, otherwise I would have spotted themearlier.It’slikelythatIcantakethem.Mightaswellriskit.

I pat my pockets, as though I realize I’ve just forgotten something. I spin

around in thewet grass,making a light squeaking noisewithmy boots. Thisemphasizesmycasualness.I’mnottryingtobequiet.Myfollowerswon’tthinkI’vefoundthemout.

IstartwalkingbackinthedirectionIcamefrom.WhenIreachthecornersofbothhomes,Ileapforwardintotheshadowsontheleft.Rightwherethesparsemoonlightisblockedbytheroofofthehomethere.

“Ah!”awoman’svoicecallsout.Iputmyhandstohermouth,stoppingthecry.Wecan’thaveeveryoneinthispartoftownwakingandspottingus.

“Mandsy,isthatyou?”Iask.“Hello,Captain.”I sigh and look heavenward, though no one can see themotion. “All right.

Comeout.Allofyou.”There are three of them—the threemembers frommy crewwho I sawnot

longago:Mandsy,Zimah,andSorinda.I’mrelievedtheymadeitsafelytoland,butIdon’tletitshow.

“I told you she was going to see you,” Zimah says to Mandsy. “You’reterrible at staying hidden.And quiet.” Shemeetsmy gaze for only amomentbeforelookingattheground,ashamedtohavebeencaughtonlandwhenthey’resupposedtobeontheship.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iask.“We’vebeenfollowingyou,”Mandsysays,smilingwidely.Her teethshine

now that she’s stepped into themoonlight. “Zimahhasbeen trackingyou.Wewere worried, Captain. Just wanted to make sure you’re all right. I hate thethoughtofyoubeingstuckonboardwiththatlot.”

“Asyoucansee,”Isay,“I’mfine.Really,thiswasrecklessofyou.WhatifyouwereseenbyDraxen’smen?Youcouldhaveblownmycover.”

“Wewerecareful.Noonespottedus,whatwithZimahhere.”“Ispottedyou.”“That’s becauseweweren’t trying too hard to hide fromyou,”Zimah says

defensively,asthoughherskillsarebeingbroughtintoquestion.“Wewantedto

talkwithyou.Ship’slonelywithoutyou,Captain.”Ican’thelpbutsmile.“IsupposeIshouldhaveexpectedthisfromyoutwo.

But,Sorinda,whatinalltheseasofManeriaareyoudoinghere?”Quiet as death, Sorinda finally speaks. “Niridia ordered me to come with

them.”Sorindaisthebestswordswomanonmycrew.She’sanexcellentkiller.And

sinceshe’sbeeninmycrew,anexcellentprotectoraswell.“WhichmeansthatNiridia’swiththeshipnearby?”Niridiaismyfirstmate

andtrustedconfidant.ImadehertemporarycaptainofmyshipwhileIwentonmymissionaboardtheNightFarer.

“Aye.”Iputmyheadinmyhands.“I’mperfectlyfine.You’reallbeingcareless.”“What’s it like, Captain?”Mandsy asks. “Being on that pirate lord’s ship?

Aretheytreatingyouwell?Noone’slaidhandsonyou,havethey?”“No,”I lie.“Andtherewillbeplentyoftimeforstorytellinglater.Fornow

you’retoreportbacktotheAva-lee.AndyoutellNiridiathatIorderhertotaketheshiptothecheckpointandwaitformethere.Nomorefollowingme.Imeanit.”Ilookeachonesquarelyintheeyes.MandsynodsfeeblywhileZimahlooksdisappointed.Sorinda looksas though she reallycouldn’t careeitherway.Butshealwayswearsthatface.

“Aye, Captain,” Mandsy says on a sigh, “but what are you doing hereanyway?Whyaren’tyouontheship?Istheresomethingwecanhelpwith?”Shecan’t hide the eagerness and enthusiasm in her voice. That’sMands. Alwaysoptimistic and ready to help. Drives the rest of the crew bloody insanesometimes.

“No,I’mf—Wait.Actually,youcan.Ineedtogetamessagetomyfather.”“Whatisit?”Zimahasks.Shehasaperfectmemory.Shecanrecitebackto

meminutesofoverheardconversationatatime.“TellhimourplansforgettingmeonboardtheNightFarerwentperfectly.

I’ve begun my search for the map. No one suspects me. It’s my belief that

Draxendoesn’tevenknowthemapisaboardhisship,sincehedoesn’thideitinhisquarters.Searchingtherestof theshipshouldn’t takemelong.Bereadyatthecheckpoint.I’llbringtheshiptohimsoon.”

“Gotit,”Zimahsays.“Anythingyou’dlikeustopassalongtothecrew?”“TellthemImissthemall,andI’llbehomeshortly.”“Gladtohearit,”Mandsysays.“Yes,yes,nowgo.Andbequickaboutit.”“Aye,”theysayatonce,andhurrybacktowardtheshore.Part ofmewishes I could gowith them.Another part is still eager for the

hunt,forthegameoffindingthemap.Ilongforthevictoryoffindingsomethingsoimportantformyfather.HewillbequitepleasedwhenIreturn.

And I am pleased that getting word to my father became easier than Iexpected.

NowIgettoskipaheadtothegettingcaughtpart.Shouldbesimpleenoughonce I find Draxen’s crew. The difficult bit will be making it look like anaccident.They’llsurelybesuspiciousifIsimplyhandmyselfovertothem.Thelast thing I need is Riden getting more curious about my intent. I’m not tooworried,butI’malsonotcareless.Imayhaveliedtomyfatherinmymessageaboutnoonebeingsuspiciousofme,butRidenissimpleenoughtodealwith.Fatherdoesn’tneedtoknowabouthim.

Ipassbythelargeestateswheretherichlive,andhavetostompouttheurgetogosnoopingaround theirvaluables.Forone, they’llhavemanymen inside,guarding their riches fromall the pirates currently at this port. (Thanks tomyfather’s regime, there are always several crews in each port city, stopping tospendtheirplunder.)Suchdiscouragementhasnoeffectonme,savethatIknowthestealwilltakemoretimeandplanning,whichIdon’thave.

And secondly, I wouldn’t have a place to hide such valuables after I tookthem.Ridenwouldbesuretonoticeandstealanewgemfromaroundmyneck.

EventuallyImakeittotheraucoussectionoftown,theonethatwakesoncetherestofthecitysleeps.Youcantellit’sforthemoreunsavorysort,because

it’ssoveryloud.Musicpoursoutthewindowsontothestreets.Gunshotssound.Menandwomenlaugh.Tablesoverturn.Thestreetsarefilledwiththelightoflanterns.

Anycrimeatallcanbecommittedhere,andthelawofthelandcannottouchus.It’spartof thedealmyfatherhaswith thelandmonarch.Thepiratesgetadistrict on land, free from the burdens of the law, andmy father won’t blowexcavatingshipsoutofthewater.

IknowinstantlywhenI’mintherightplace.There’satavernononesideofthestreet,awhorehouseontheother.Thisiswheremostpiratesgotospendalltheirspoils.Theyaremenofsimplepleasures.I,too,enjoyagoodflaskofrumfromtimetotime,butIalsotakepleasureinlonger-lastingrewards.Ispendmyearnings on good clothing and face paint. Appearance is important. I pay forinformationonbigplayersondifferentislands.Ienjoymeetingnewpeopleandlearningtheirstories.Thereallyinterestingonesbecomemembersofmycrew.ButultimatelyIalwaysseektowinmyfather’sapproval, tosolidifymyselfashisheirandbecomethequeenofseathieves.Ican’timagineanythingmorefunthanhumblingstuffylandnoblesastheycrosstheocean.Myocean.

Iapproachthetavernfirst,sincethemenatthewhorehousearefarlesslikelytonoticemewhileengagedintheiractivities.Now,howtogetcaughtwithoutmakingittooobvious?

I go around to the side of the tavern and peer through a grime-coveredwindow.It’spacked,andIcanseeseveralmembersofDraxen’screw.Theysitat tables,drinkingandgamblingand talking. Inote thatDraxenhimself isnothere.He’s probably over at thewhorehouse.Ridenmust be over there, too—Wait,Riden’sinhere.

Ispothimintheback,atatablewithabunchofmen.Hehasonehandfullofcards,whiletheotherisdrapedaroundsomewomanseatedonhislap.

A snort escapesme.And he said he didn’t pay for female companionship.Although—I squint, getting closer to thewindowwithout actually touching it.She’snotdressedlikeawhore.Herfaceisn’textravagantlypainted—

Thetaverndoorsgroanastheyopenwide.Stars,Ishouldhavebeenpayingattentiontothedoor.

AbodycomeswalkingaroundtothesideofthetavernwhereIstand.Afterafewmoments,IrecognizeitasKearan.

Perhapswalkinghadbeen toogenerousofa term.Stumbling’smore like it.The big oaf zigzags right pastme. Then he stops, bracing himself against thewall.

Timetoact.Ipinchmycheekstobringredtothem.Iflickmyheaddownward,rumpling

my hair. Adding a slight tremor tomywhole person, I rush forward, leaningagainstthewallrightnexttohim.

“Kearan.Youhavetohelpme.Please.Helpmegetawayfromhere.”Heturnshisheadslightlyinmydirectionbutsaysnothing.“Please,” Isayagain.“Iknowdeepdownyou’renotabadman.Pleaseget

meoutofhere.”My intention is for him to assume Imisplacedmy trust.He’s supposed to

haulmebacktotheship.Insteadhevomitsandcollapsestotheground.Ishouldn’tbesurprised.That’swhenI’mgrabbedfrombehind.Oh,excellent!IwasworriedI’dhave

to—Ifeelhotbreathatmyear.Itsmellsofrum.Thechestatmybackrisesand

fallsrapidly.Thenmyhairstandsonendasawettonguestartsatthecornerofmychinandrisesupmycheek.

Stars,it’sSheck.Whydoeshehavetobetheonetocatchme?He’sgotbotharmsaroundme,holdingmyownarmsflatagainstmysides.I

wait for him to turnme around, to carrymeover toRidenorDraxen.But hedoesnosuchthing.

Heshovesmeagainstthewallofthetavern.Ifeelahandatmylowerback,

dippinglower.SheckhasnointentionoftakingmebacktoRiden—notrightaway,atleast.

AndIhavenointentionofwaitingarounduntilhe’sready.“You’regoing towant to letgoofmenow,” I say,givinghimachance to

walkaway,eventhoughhedoesn’tdeserveone.Hedoesn’tspeak.Andwhyshouldhe?He’smorebeastthanman.Ihopintotheairandpressmyfeetflatagainstthewall,givingitagoodpush.

Sheck tries to catchhimself.Buthis choicesare to letgoofmeor fallonhisarse.

Surprisingly,hechoosesthesecond.Mybodyisnotenoughweighttoknockthebreathfromhim,butI’msurethe

fallhadtohurt.Itakesomecomfortinthis.Itrytorollawayfromhim,buthisgripistootight.Icantellhe’sdonethis

many,manytimesbefore.Thethoughtspursmeon.Ibringmyheadupashighasitwillgo,straining

myneck.Then I send it flyingbackward. I can feelhisnoseconnectwith thebackofmyheadinaloudcrunch.

Thatiswhatfinallypromptshimtoloosenhishold.I stand an instant later, but before I can take a step, Sheck wraps a hand

aroundmyankle.Iturnandkickhiminthefacewithmyfreefoot.Hisfaceisabloodymessnow.Icannotmakeouthisnose,eyes,ormouth.

Hecan’tstillbefeelingtheheatofdesire inhiscondition,canhe?Ihopenot,butIhavetoassumetheworstofpeopleinmylineofwork.Besides,somemengetareactionfrompain.Sheckislikelyoneofthose.

Kearanmoansfromwhereheliesontheground,passedoutinhisownvomit.HesmellsnastierthanSheck.ButIdon’tneedtotouchhim,justthegripofhissword.Icouldgrabthedaggerfrommyboot,butusingitatthispointrequiresclosecontact,andIdon’twanttobenearSheckeveragain.

I hear a growl from behindme. It’s the first sound I’ve ever heard Sheck

mutter.It’sanugly,foulsoundthatmakesmewanttorun,butI’vefoughtthatimpulsemywholelife.I’vehadto.It’sbeentheonlywaytoimpressmyfather.

Besides,thismandeservestodie,andI’llgladlybetheonetodoit.Igrabthecutlassandturn.Sheckdoesn’thavehissworddrawn.He’sprobablynotusedtowomenfightingratherthantryingtorunaway.

Idon’tthinkheevennoticesthere’saweaponinmyhanduntilIstabhiminthestomachwithit.Hecriesout,stillmoving.It’snothalfthepainhedeservesfor the typeof lifehe’s lived,but it’senough tomakemefeela littlebetter. Idon’twaitmore thanacoupleofheartbeatsbeforedislodging theweaponandstabbing again, this timehigher, towardhisheart.He tries to squirmunder itsweight,but thatonlymakeshisbloodrunoutall themorefaster.He’sdeadinseconds.

I take a fewdeepbreathsbefore setting the swordbesideKearan.One lessmonsterintheworld.

ButIstillneedtogetcaught.Itshouldnotbethisdifficulttostayaprisoneron a pirate ship. This is the second time I’ve had to stage my own capture.Ridiculous.

Iturntowardthetavern,wonderinghowI’mtogetsomeoneinsidetocatchmewithoutmakingitlooktooobvious,whenInoticesomeonestandingintheopeningbetweenthetavernandthenextbuildingover.

It’sRiden.

Chapter7

HISARMSARECROSSED,oneleghookedovertheother.IsupposeIshouldrunnowtomakeitlooklikeI’mtryingtoescape,butwhy

bother?“Howmuchofthatdidyousee?”Iaskinstead.“Allofit.”I’mnotsurewhatIshouldfeelafterhearingthat.Angerthathe’dletSheck

trytotakeme.Confusionthatheletmekillhimwithouthelpinghiscrewman.WorrythathesawtheactingroutineItriedonKearan.DoesheknowI’mtryingtogetcaught?There’snowaytotell.Hisfacerevealsnothinginthelitstreet.

I need to do something. I can’t just stand here and let him take me. It’sinconsistentwith the character I’vebeenplaying forhim.So I reachover andpickupKearan’scutlassagain.

“Youwanttofight?”heasks.“Iamnotgoingbackonthatship,”Isay.“I’msorry,Alosa,butyouhaveto.”Hepullshisownswordfromitssheath.Allright.I’llgoeasyonhim.Lethimdisarmmequicklyandget thisnight

overwith.“Youreallywanttodothis?”heasks.“Iwasinthemiddleofsomethingback

there when I heard a struggle going on outside. You’ve put me in quite themood.Iwouldn’ttestme.”

Isnort.“Isawyourladyfriend.Itlookedlikeyouwerealreadyinamood.”

“Onenightonlandaftermonthsatsea,andyouhavetogoandruinit.”“Andwhat aboutme? Iwas carrying out a very importantmission formy

fatherwhenyoucaughtme.You’veruinedmyentireweek.Ishouldtakeanearforthat.”

“Youwouldn’t takemy ear. Itwouldmake it difficult forme to hear yourwhining.AndIknowhowmuchyoulovethat.”

Nevermind.Ishallnotmakethisquick.Iwanttohurthimabitfirst.Ilurchforward,slashingathisstomach.Ridendeflectstheblowandreaches

formylegswithhissword.ButIleapbackward.“Whydidn’tyoustopme?”Iask,sendingavolleyofstrikesathim.“Stopyoufromwhat?”Hequicklydefendshimselfagainsteachstrike,butI

keepthemcomingaswetalk.“You saw me fighting him. You know your captain doesn’t want me

mistreatedinanyway,yetyoulethimtrytotakeme.Youjuststoodthere.And—oh.”

Hegetshisbearingsandputshimselfontheoffensive.Ilikelearninghowhemoves.Itwillletmeknowhowtobeathim.Later,ofcourse.TonightIhavetolethimwin.

“Youwantedmetokillhim,”Isay.“Ofcourse.Youhatewhathedoes.Whatwithyoubeingsohonorableandall.Butyoucan’tkillhimyourselfbecauseforsome reason you’re loyal to your brother, and you can’t be seen killing amember of his crew. I’ll never understand this loyalty; you seem to hateeverythingDraxendoes.”

Icuthimonhisarm.Riden isgoingabit easybecausehedoesn’tactuallywanttohurtme.Itdefinitelygivesmetheadvantage.Ofcourse,Idon’twanttokillhim,either—hurthim,though,yes.PartofwhatItoldhimtheotherdayistrue. I don’t want Riden dead, because he is my preferred choice for aninterrogator.Draxenwould assign someone evenworse towatchme if Ridenweren’tanoption.

“That’s why you were angry on the day you captured me,” I say as a

realizationhitsme.“Ibroughtouttheworstinyourbrotherbychallenginghim,by killing members of his crew. You had to step in and remind him of hishumanity.Buthealwaysseemstohaveahardtimefindingit,doesn’the?He’smorelikeyourfatherinthatway.”

Igaspaspainburnsagainstmyleg.Heactuallyslashedmewithhissword.Imusthavetouchedonsomethingtoopersonal.

“Youruinedmybreeches!”“Lass,shutup,”Ridensays.“But why do you do it?” I say, forgetting my clothes. “You’re clearly

miserableamongthecrew.Youprobablydon’tevenenjoypirating!Whydoyoustay?”

Igetinanothercut,thistimeathisside.Imakesureit’sshallow.Avictorioussmiletugsatmylips,butthenRidendoestheunthinkable.Insteadofflinchingaway frommy sword,he leans into it, grabsmywristwithhis freehand, andraiseshisswordtomyneck.BeforeIcanblink,thehandatmywristgrabsmysword,andhe’spointingbothbladesatme.

Istareathim,stunned.Heletmecuthimsohecouldtakemyweaponfromme.It’saboldandstupidmove.

Ilikeit.I’mso impressed, I can’t evenmusterup the right amountof anger. Ihave

underestimatedRiden.He sheathes his blade, tossesKearan’s back to his sleeping form, and then

grabsmebymyupperarm.“Istaybecausehe’smybrother.Becauseheistheonlyfamilymemberwholovesmeunconditionally.Somethingyoucouldneverunderstand.”

Iwant to deny it, to defendmy relationshipwithmy father.But nowordsspring tomind. Sowithmy free hand, I hit himwheremy sword struck himearlier.Hewinceswithpain,thenmovesmeovertotheothersideofhim.

“Itseemswebothmanagedtouncoverthingsbetterleftburied.Now,let’sgetyoubacktotheship.”

Mylegthrobsaswewalk,butthat’snothingcomparedtothefireinmychestthat has ignited fromhiswords.He keeps gettingme angry. So very angry. Iwant tohit himsomemore. It takes everyounceof strength Ihave to lethimtakemebackaboardthatcursedship.

Itrytogetoutofthelifeboatonce,butRidenkicksme,andIactasthoughtheblowknockedtheairfrommychest.WhenaropeladderisletdownforustoclimbaboardtheNightFarer,IpunchRideninthefaceandtrytojumpintothewater,buthecatchesmeandpracticallycarriesmeuptheladder.He’sstrongerthanhelooks.

ThesefakeattemptsatescapearetheonlysatisfactionIallowmyselfforhisdaggeredwords.

Ridenreturnsmetomycell.HeignoresAzekandJolekastheytrytoofferexplanationsforhowIescaped.Hesimplyordersthemtoleave.

Riden disappears from the brig for only a moment. Then he returns. I’msurprisedwhenhelockshimselfintothecellwithme.

“Haveyoudecidedthatyoudeservetobebehindbarsaswell?”Iask.“Idecidedthatlongago,butthat’snotwhyI’mhere.”Inoticenowthecleanlinensandbandages.Alittlewhilelater,anotherpirate

bringsdownabucketofhotwaterbeforedisappearingagain.“Youwantmetocleanyourwounds?”Iaskwithasnort.“Ofcoursenot;I’mheretocleanyours.”“Idon’tfollow.”“Captainwouldn’tlikeitifheknewI’dslicedyou.”“Igoadedyou.”“Doesn’tmatter.Ishouldbebetterthanthat.”“Pirate,”Iremindhim.“Stilldoesn’tmatter.Now…”HepicksmeupandsetsmeonthetablesoI’m

sittingwithmyinjuredlegextendedinfrontofme.“Icansitallbymyself,”Isay,completelyoffbalancebytheeffortlessway

heliftedme.

“Iknow,butthatwasmorefun.Now,takeyourbreechesoff.”“Ha.Notachance.”“It’snothingIhaven’tseenbefore.”“Youhaven’tseenmebefore.Norwillyou.”Ridengivesmehisdevilishsmile.Howquicklyhecanmusteritup.“I’ve a better idea,” I say, reaching down. I grab the bloody rip in my

breechesandtug.Theclothgives,rippingawayfrommythigh.Iwince.“AndhereIalmostbelievedyoucouldn’tfeelpain.”“Shutyourmouth,Riden.”He’s quiet, and I know it’s not becausehe listened tome. Instead I realize

he’sstaringatmyleg.No,notmyleg.Myscars.Ihavethemallovermyarmsandlegs.

“Whathappened?”heasks.“Iwasborntothepirateking.”Hereacheshishandout,abouttotraceoneofthemanythinwhitemarks.“Don’t,” I say. “I’ve just had to fend off Sheck. I don’t need anyone else

touchingme.”“Of course,” he says hurriedly. “Forgiveme. But Iwasn’t going to—”He

cuts himself off, ending the awkward moment. Instead he reaches down andbrandishesacleaningsalveandcleanrag.

“Givemethose,”Isay.“I’dratherdoitmyself.”“AndthatiswhyI’llbedoingitforyou.You’reaprisoner,andyoutriedto

escape.Youdon’tgettomakeanymoredemands.”“Icouldjusthityou.”“AndIcouldmakecleaningthiscuthurtmorethanitneedsto.”Isitstill,butIdon’tlookathimasherubsafoulliquidontomyleg.Bubbles

come up from the cut, and the pain is searing hot. I grab Riden’s arm andsqueezetokeepfromcryingout.

“It’sallright,Alosa.Almostdonenow.”I’m amazed at his soothing tone. It sounds a lot like the oneMandsy uses

whenshepatchesmeup.Strangetohearitcomingfromaman.Hewipes the remaining liquid from thewound.The cloth becomes stained

withpink.Withsteadyhands,hecutsabandagestripandtiesitaroundmyleg.Hishandsarewarminthisfreezingcell.

“It’sover,”hesays.“Itshouldhealquickly.Itwasasmallcut.”“Yes,Iknow.Asyoucansee,thisisnotmyfirstinjury.”“Whymustyoualwaysbesodefensive?Iwashelpingyou.”“Yes, andwhat a sacrifice itmust have been for you. I’m sure you didn’t

enjoyeverymomentofit.”Smiling,heleansforwardabit.“Youarebyfarthemostenjoyableprisoner

everaboardthisvessel.”“Iassureyou,I’mnottryingtobe.”Hissmilefades.Intensitytakesholdinhiseyes.“Iknow.”Riden’shand is still onmybare leg.His eyes capturemygaze. I swallow,

lickmysuddenlydrylips.Ridenplacesahandatmycheek.“Alosa.”“Yes?”Uncertaintyflashesacrosshisface.Heletshishanddrop.“Howdidyouget

outofyourcell?”Insteadofanswering, I shrug,mostlybecause it takesmeamoment to find

myvoice.Riden takesa stepback,observesmecarefully. “You’reclever,Alosa, ina

waythatisuncommonforapirate.Andyou’retalented.There’snodoubtaboutthat.AndI’vealwaysknownyou’rehidingsomething.ButnowI’mstartingtogetthesenseyouwanttobeonthisshipmorethanIdo.”

“Wanttobeontheship?”Iaskincredulously.“Ifthat’syourconcern,thenbyallmeans,letmego.”

“Whyelsewouldyougotothepiratequarteroftown?Youhadtoknowwe’dbethere.”

“You’re joking, right? You locked me up and then sent Sheck and Ulgin

downhere.DoyouknowwhatIhadtoendure?IsetouttofindthetwoofthemandkillthembeforeIleft.Theyaren’tmen.Theydon’tdeservetolive.”

“Iknow.That’swhyIletyoukillSheck.BecauseIcouldn’tdoitmyself.Butwhyriskit?Youcouldhavegottenawayeasilyifyouhadjustleft.”

“Ihaveahardtimelettingthingsgo.Iwasn’tabouttoleaveuntileverythingsatright.”

Ican’ttellifhebelievesme.He’sstilltryingtoreadmyface.Butthenhiseyestraveldowntomybags.Istepinfrontofthemprotectively.“Whatareyoulookingat?”“You know I’mgoing to have to search your things.Unless of course you

wanttotellmehowyougotoutofhere?”“Ijustgotout,allright?Leavemeandmythingsalone.”“Ican’tdothat.Nowstepback.”“No.”Hestepsforwardandreachesforme,tryingtophysicallymovemeoutofthe

way.Ikickhimsquareinthechestwithmyuninjuredleg.Theforceisenoughto

knock him onto his back. Oh no. I put way too much into that one. I’mpracticallytellinghimallmysecrets.He’stheonemostsuspiciousofme.Ineedtopullback.Buthethreatenedmyclothes!They’reallIhaveonthisship,andI’mratherattachedtothem.Idon’twanthisstickyfingersgoingthroughthem.AndIsupposeitwouldn’tbegoodifhelookedtoocloselyatmybooks.

WhenRiden stands,he looksatmewithnewunderstanding. “You’vebeenholdingoutonme.”

“Itwasaprettydecentshot,eh?”ItrytomakeitsoundlikeIgotlucky,butIdon’tknowifhefallsforit.

“Idon’twanttohurtyou,butIwillifIhaveto.”Ha.AsifheactuallycouldifIweretryingmyhardest.Thatlineofreasoning

isdangerous,though.Irelaxmyface,tryingtoaddahintoffear.AndthoughitgoesagainsteveryinstinctIhave,Istepaway.

Ridenleansovermyclothesinsuchawaythathecankeepaneyeonmeaswell.He’snotabouttoletmegetthejumponhimfrombehind.He’slearning.

He searches through my clothes. I notice him quickly scanning overundergarments, careful not to touch them. Interesting. The larger, pocketedclothing,hesearchesthroughmostthoroughly.Unsurprisingly,hefindsnothingexceptsomerathersharphairpins,whichhepockets.Hepassesoverthebooksquickly.

UntilhecomesacrossavolumetitledEtiquette:AGuidetoRaisingProperLadies. I had no problems hollowing out that one. The entire concept isridiculous.Unfortunately,Ridenthinksso,too.

“Whatisthis?”heasks.“Abook,”Ianswersmartly.“AmItobelieveyouwouldactuallyreadabooklikethis?You’reapirate.”“Andalady,too.”“I don’t think so.” He flips through the pages. When that doesn’t prove

fruitful,hetearsatthebook,separatingthebindingfromthespine.Stars!Asmallvialcontainingapurpleliquidfallsintohishand.“Whatdowehavehere?”“It’satonicforseasickness.”“Thenwhywouldyouhideit?”“It’sembarrassing.”“That’sinteresting,becausethisliquidisalsothesamecolorasatonicused

tohelppeoplesleep.Wheninhaled,thecompoundrendersapersonunconsciousalmostinstantly.”

“Whatacoincidence,”Isay.“Yes, I’m sure.” He starts tearing through the rest of the books, finding

differentweapons.Miniaturethrowingknives,wiresforchoking,morepoisons,andmanyotherthings.

Pocketsoverflowing,Ridenstandsandmovesforthedoor.

“Whereareyoutakingthose?”Iask.“I’llputtheminasafeplace.”“Alsoknownasthebottomoftheocean?”Hegrinsbeforedisappearing.I’mreallystartingtodespisethatman.

Chapter8

ENWEN AND ANOTHER PIRATE come down to the brig not long after Ridenleaves.I’msurethereplacementisnecessarybecauseKearanisstillpassedoutsomewhere.

“ThisisBelor,”Enwensays.“He’scometohelpmewatchyou.Andafinepirate,heis.Heunderstandstheimportanceofmaintainingahealthyamountofsuperstition.”

“Nodoubt,”Isay,thoughBelorseemstobemoreinterestedinwatchingthesackofcoinsthathangsfromEnwen’sbelt.

Thenightisyoung.Mostofthepirateswillstillbeintown,sleepingofftheirdrinks.Tonightisperfectforsomesneakingabout.Ineedtofindthatmap.I’mready to be rid of this ship and its cocky first mate. I still can’t believe hemanagedtosliceme.Morethananything,itwasacuttomypride.

“Theonlyamountoflucktobefoundisincold,hardgold,”Belorsays.“Youhavethat,andyoucanbuyalltheluckyouneed.”

“Which iswhy I purchased these here pearls,”Enwen says, pulling out hisnecklace.

Enwenrelaysthestoryofhowhegotthepearls.IdoubtBelorhearsawordofit, as he does naught but watch Enwen’s purse. Neither pirate pays me anyattention.Theyreallyaremakingiteasyformetoescape.Notasoulonmyowncrewwouldeverbesocareless.NotevenlittleRoslyn,whois theyoungestofmycrewatsixyearsold.Course,Iwouldneverhaveherwatchoverprisoners.

Shestaysmostlyintherigging,wheresheclimbsbetterthananymonkeyevercould.

AsquietlyasIcan,Iflipoverthetableandreachforthelegonthebottomleftcorner.IholloweditoutwithmydaggerandshovedthelockpicksinthereafterknockingoutAzekandJolek.It’sashameforRidenthatheneverthoughttocheckhere.

“Youknow,Imighthavesomethingyou’dlike,Enwen.”Belorpullsoutofhispocketwhat looks likea leather string. “Manwhogaveme this toldme itcame from a siren’s wrist. It’s supposed to give the wearer protection on thesea.”

Enwenlooksatitwithreverence,butI’mprettysureBelorjustpulleditoffofhisbootwhennoonewaswatching.

“I’llgiveittoyouforthreegoldpieces,”Belorsays.I’vealreadygotthedooropen.Istandbeforethetwopirates.“It’saterrible

trade,Enwen.Theman’slying.Hejustwantsyourgold.”“Butwhatifhe’snot?HowcanIpassupsuchatrade?Nomoreharmatsea,

MissAlosa!”“Thenwhyintheworldwouldhetradeitforonlythreecoins?”“You’reright.Ishouldgivehimfiveforit.”Belor finally looks up from the sack of gold, the prospect ofmoremoney

shininginhiseyes.“Oi!Whatareyoudoingoutofyourcell?”“Makingsureyoudon’ttakeadvantageofpoorEnwen,here.”Although,now

that I thinkof it,Enwen isprobably intending tosteal thegoldbackbitbybitoverthenextseveraldays.

“Appreciatethehelp,MissAlosa,butyoubestbegettingbackinyourcell,”hesaysashereachesforhissword.

“Can’tdothat.Sorryaboutthis,Enwen.Iratherlikeyou.”I knock them both out amoment later. Enwen’s going towant to drink as

muchasKearan to relieve theheadachehe’ll havewhenhewakes. I honestlyfeelbad,butIdon’thavethetimetowaitforthemtofallasleep.Thatcouldbea

while,andIneedtotakeadvantageofanearlyemptyship.Once I’mup top, Iobserveeverythingcarefully.The twopirateswhowere

guarding the deck have gone, and Theris is nowhere to be seen. They wereprobablypermittedtogoashorenowthatRidenisonboard.Shame,that.Besttoavoidhim.Probablyinhisquartersnow.Ipassbythemsilentlyandwalkovertotherailing,whereIendedmysearchthepreviousnight.Irunmyhandsoverit,thumping with my feet as lightly as possible on the wooden planks below,checkingfordeadspots.

“Hello,Alosa.”Isighandlookheavenwardbeforeturningaround.“Hello,Riden.”“Beenwaitingforyoutocomeup.Youdon’tdisappoint.”Ridenstepsoutof

theshadowscastby thestairs leadingup to thesecond level.Ah,nowonder Ididn’tseehim.

“YouknewIwouldtrytoescapeagain?”“Thereareonlythreepiratesleftonthisvessel,assumingyouleftEnwenand

Beloralive.We’reclosetoland.AndIcouldn’tfindwhateveritwasyouusedtoescapeyourcelllasttime.So,yes.Iassumedyouwouldtrytoescapeagain.”

“Soyou’renolongerconvincedI’muptomorenefariousdeeds?”“Iwouldhavecontinuedtohavemydoubtshadyounotgonestraightforthe

edgeoftheship.”ThankthestarsIwenttherefirst.Whoknowswhatwouldhavehappenedif

Ridenhadseenmesearchingtheship?“Now,Riden.There’snoreasonwhyyoucan’tletmego.Youcantellyour

dearcaptainIgotawayduetoyourownstupidity.Shouldn’tbetoohardforhimtobelieve.”

“I’mafraidnot,Alosa.”“Please don’t put me back in that cell. I hate it down there. The smell is

awful.”“Perhapsweshouldfindyoudifferentaccommodations,then.”

Idon’tlikethesoundofthis.“Howdoyoumean?”“Here,allowmetoescortyou,princess.”Hepicksmeupandthrowsmeover

hisshoulder.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?Putmedownrightnow!”Ipushmyselfup

andgetaholdofhishead.Hishairistiedbackasusual,niceandlong.Perfectforpulling.“Ow!”Hegetsadooropen.I’mtoofocusedonhimtorealizewhereweare,buta

momentlaterhethrowsmeontoabed.Thenhegrabsmywristinadeathgrip,forcingmetoreleasemyholdonhishair.

Idon’tknowwhy,but it’sverydifficult toplay thebeatenprisoner. Ican’tstandgivinguptooeasily,nomatterhowmanytimesIremindmyselftomakemystayonthisshiplookunintentional.

WhichiswhyIdon’tliepassivelyonthebed.Ridenstandsoverme,hishandstillholdingmywristcaptive.Mykneeconnectswithhisstomach,whichcauseshimtohunchdownfarther.Igrabhisotherwristwithmyownandpullhimoverthe topofmebefore shovinghimdownonto thebed. I rolloffandstandso Ihavethehigherground.

Butheshootsupamomentlater.Idon’texpecthimtorecoversoquickly,sohe’sabletograbmywaistandpinmetothebed.ThelastpositionIwouldeverwanttobein.

“You’restrongerthanyoushouldbe,”hesays.“Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”“Just that you’re not a large woman, yet you were able to lift me off the

ground.”AndthosewordsaretheonlyreasonwhyIdon’tshovehissorryarseoffme.

Ihavetoremembertoholdback.Butit’ssodamnhard!Whenthisisover,I’mgoingtokillhimoutofspite.

“Ihavemyfather’srigorousheavyliftingtrainingtothankforthat.”“Nodoubt.”

“Getoffme.”Helooksdownatme,trailinghisgazefrommyeyestomymouth.Sovery

slowly.“Areyousureyouwantthat?”“I’mquitesure,”Isay,butthewordsdon’tcomeoutasforcefullyasIintend

themto.Heleansdownfarther,placinghisnosenexttomine.“Howaboutnow?”he

whispers.He’stoocockyforhisowngood,butIadmithe’spretty.Andhemakesmy

bloodboil,butmostlyoutofanger.He’sadecentsortoffellowinside.Buthechoosesnottobeontheoutside.Whatdoesthatmakehim?

I’mabouttotellhimtoshoveoff,butthenIfeelhislipsatmycheek.He’snot kissing me exactly, just touching my cheek with his lips. They driftdownwardtomyjawline.

Ihave tomakeaseriouseffort tokeepmybreathingcalm.Even.Notatallexcited.Nowisnotthetimetogetalltingly.Ihaveajobtodo.

But his lips. I can picture them perfectlywhen I closemy eyes. They’re adarkpink.Fullandunmarred.Andrightnowthey’rebeingimpossiblysoftforapirate.

Whenhedoesfinallykissme,it’srightbelowmyearinthatsensitivespot.Thenhemoveslower,trailinghislipsdownmyneckattheside,thenbackup

inthemiddle.Hekissesthecornerofmychinandthenhoversexpectantlyovermymouth.

Hewantsmetokisshim,formetobetheonetoactuallyleanforwardanddosomething.

Ofcoursehedoes.MenlikeRidenliveoffthethrillofvictory.Unfortunatelyforhim,Ido,too.He’s loosenedhishold, so it’s effortless forme to fliphimover andhover

abovehim.Hishandsgripmyupperarmstightly.He’sworriedImeantostrikehimorchokehiminsomeway.Iprobablyshould.

InsteadImovemylipstohisear.Myteethgrazehisearlobe,andhishands

tighteninadifferentway.Theymovetomyback,pressingthereandtryingtogetmecloser.

When Imove tohisneck, his hands reach formyhair, gliding through thestrands.

“Youaresobeautiful,”hesays.“Likeagoddessbornoutofthesea.”That is what finally snaps me out of it, his obviously exaggerated

exclamation.Hewantsanswersfromme.He’llsayanddoanythingtogetthem.I’mjustsomeprettyfacetohim.Andthatisallheistome.Idon’thavetimeformeaningless fun. I have a part to play. This will only make my job moredifficult.Besides,howcanIforgethowIfoundRidenwhenIpeeredthroughthewindowofthetavern?Hetoldmehimself thathe’sspentmonthsatsea,andIinterruptedhisonenightonland.Nowheexpectsmetomakeupforit.

Stupid pirate. I do not get swayed by men looking to add to their list offemaleconquests.I’dimagineI’dbeafineone,beingthedaughterofthemostnotoriouspirateofalltime.

Istandandmoveawayfromthebed.“Iwanttogotomycellnow.”Ridenlooksconfusedforamoment.Heshakeshimselfoutofit.“You’renot

staying in your cell anymore.Your continued attempts at escape leaveme nochoicebuttomoveyou.”

“Towhere?”“Myroom.”Andwith that,he leaves,shutting thedoorsbehindhim.Ihear

thewigglingofakeyandtheclickofalock.I note that he’s still on the other side of the doors. I can see his silhouette

fromthespaceunderneath. Ipressmycheekagainst thedoor,holdmybreath,andwait.

Hesighs.“Whatareyoudoing?”He’stalkingtohimself.Thenhe’sgone.Interesting.Iturntosurveytheroom.Ihadn’thadachancetoearlierbecause—well,my

mindwasonotherthings.ButnowIwishIcouldhavegottenalookatitsooner.

IffornootherreasonthanIcouldhavebeenusingittomockRiden.Becausetheroomisclean.Spotlesslyclean.Now,asIlookatthebed,Ican

tell it had been made. His desk is neatly arranged with an even stack ofparchment.Quillslienexttoit,spreadapartatevenintervals.Hehasacaseofbooks,and—yes,they’reinalphabeticalorder.Therugsonthefloorarefreeofdustanddirt, likelybeatenregularly.Hisbootsareallpolishedandstackedbytwos.Hisclotheslieflatsoasnottogainanywrinkles.

ItwouldbedifficultindeedtotossthisroomwithoutRidennoticing.Buttossit,Imust.It’sclearDraxentrustsRidenmorethanhedoesanyoneelse,sowhynotgivethemaptoRidenforsafekeeping?Ifthemapwasn’tinDraxen’sroom,thenRiden’sroomwouldbethenextchoice.SinceIknowhowlightofasleeperRiden is, it’s beendifficult to find anopportunity to searchhis roomatnight.ButnowIcanmakethemostofbeingstuckinhere.Shortofbreakingthedoordown,Idon’thaveawaytogetoutofhere.IputmylockpicksbackinthetablelegafterincapacitatingEnwenandBelor.

Igettowork,openingdrawersandcheckingpockets.It’sdifficulttotellwhatI’vealreadysearchedthroughbecauseIhavetoputeverythingneatlybackinitsplaceassoonasI’mdone.Itrytostartatonepointintheroomandmoveinacircle.

Morethananhourmustpass,andI’vefoundnothing.Wheredidyouhideit,Jeskor?Whodidyougiveittoifneitherofyoursons

hasit?Itsimplymustbesomewhereelseontheship.WhyshouldIhavethoughtthatRidenhaditatall?He’scertainlyportrayed

himselfas theleastfavoriteofLordJeskor’ssons.NotsureIcansaywhichismyleastfavoriteofJeskor’ssonsatthemoment.

Riden’sabloodyhalf-wit.Lockingmeinhere, tryingtotoywithme,usingmetokillapiratehecouldn’tkillhimself.SometimesIthinkhimacoward.Butnotacowardbyfear.Acowardbychoice.Whichisworse?

I’dpurposelykeptmymindfocusedonthesearch,butnowthatit’sover,my

mindisfreetowander.AnditshiftsstraighttowhatI’dbeendoingwithRidenanhourago.

SometimesI’manidiot.Iclenchmyhandintoafistbeforegivingthetableagoodslam.

I feel the pressure in my hand, then hear the rumble of the desk and theshatteringofglass.

Stars!Among maps, compasses, and other navigational tools, Riden has an

hourglassonthetable.Hadanhourglassonthetable.Nowit’sbrokenatmyfeet.Ihopethatdidn’thaveanysentimentalvalue.Actually,no.Ihopeitdidhavesentimentalvalue.Lotsandlots.Serveshim

right.Infact,whystopwithhishourglass?Ridenwantstokeepmelockedupinhisroom.Well,he’dbetterbeprepared

todealwiththeconsequences.Irearrangehisbootssoeachleftfootgoeswiththewrongrightone.Ithrowhisclothingontothefloorinheaps.That’snotgoodenough, though. I can’t help but jump up and down on them. I hope there’splentyofgrimeonthebottomofmyboots.

Irearrangehisbookcase.Icrumplehispapers.Iknockeverythingover thatstandsupright.

I’mgoingtobethebiggestpaininthearseRidenhaseverdealtwith.That’llservehimright.

When the door opens a while later, I’m sitting at Riden’s desk, drawingpicturesofseacreaturesalloverhismaps,usingaquilldippedinink.

“Whatthebloodyhell!”“Igotbored,”Isay,notbotheringtolookathim.“Whatdidyoudo?”“Well,Imadeyousomething.Lookhere.Igavethissquidyourface.”Thereissilence,andthen,“Alosa,I’mgoingtokillyou.”

“It’llbeawfullyhardtocollectaransomfrommyfatherifI’mdead.”“Areyousurethemandoesn’twanttoberidofyou?Wehaven’theardfrom

him yet. I’m beginning to think we did him a huge favor. His loss was ourbloodydemise.”

Isetthequilldownandlookup.“I’moutofparchment.Isthereanymoreontheship?”

Ridenclencheshis fists. I thinkhiseyesmightpopoutatanymoment.Hisfaceisasredasacrab.

“Youdon’tlookwell,”Inote.“I’llhaveyouknowittakeseveryounceofself-controlIhavenottopummel

yourightnow.”“Can’t imaginewhat it takes tobreakyou, then.Tellme,Riden,doesyour

skinitchtoseeyourroomsofilthy?”“I’m going to bed. In the morning, you’re going to wish you hadn’t done

this.”“Mmm. I’d be careful in the bed. I think I saw some glass shards in there

earlier.Youreallyshouldwatchwhatyoudointhere.”Ridenripsoffthesheetsandshakesouthisblankets.Glassdoesindeedfallto

thefloor.Hetakesthetimetosweepitallupbeforedumpingitoverthesideoftheship.AtleastIassumethat’swhathedoes.Can’tbesure,sinceI’mconfinedtotheroomwhileheleaves.

Whenhegetsback,Iask,“WherewillIbesleeping?”Forthefirsttimeinawhile,hegrins.“I’llbesleepinginmybed.Feelfreeto

joinme,butsomethingtellsmeyou’dpreferthefloor.’Tisashamethere’snotmuchroomforyounowthatit’scoveredwithallmythings.”

Ridenlocksthedoorontheinside.Thenhepocketsthekey.Heremoveshisbootsandhisshirtbeforeclimbingintobed.

“You’re seriously going to sleepwhile I’m in here alonewith you?Aren’tyouafraidI’llkillyou?”

“I’ve alreadymade sure there are noweapons in this room.Besides, I’m a

verylightsleeper.Youwon’tbeabletotakeonestepwithoutwakingme.”“Isthatso?”Iaskcheerily.Riden’sfacefallsatmytone.Heknowsitcan’tbegood.This night is already one of the best I’ve had in awhile. First I destroyed

Riden’sroomandsawhimblowupoverit.NowIgettodrivehimmadwhenhetriestosleep.

His eyes droop closed. I wait a few minutes. Then I stomp on the floor.Riden’seyesshootopen.Hesitsup,ascertainsI’mnotuptoanything.Thenhefallsbackasleep.

Irepeatthisprocessthreemoretimes,whenRidenfinallygetsoutofbed.Hestridesrightuptomeandgetsinmyface.“Dothatagain,andIwillknockyouunconscious.”

Istopmyknockingandinsteadstarthumming.Itdoesn’tseemtobotherRiden,though.Hiseyesstayclosed.Ifanything,he

lookslikehehuddlesdownfartherinhisbed.Myhummingturnstosinging.I’mnotreallysayinganywords, just testingoutdifferentnotes. It’sarandomtunethatcomestome.

InmomentsRidensnoressoftly.I’dhopedthatbykeepinghimuplater,hewouldsleepmoredeeply.I take a hesitant step forward. Riden doesn’t budge. At the bed, I put my

handsinhispockets,tryingtofindthekey.Stillhedoesn’tstir.Ifinditquickly.ThenI’matthedoors,steppingoutside,closingthembehindme.

Tonightis thefirstnightIcanscourtheshipuninterrupted.All themenareashore,savethree.AndI’verenderedthoseunconscious.Iabandonmyorderlysearch in favor of tearing through the deck. Normally there are lookoutswandering about, and tonightmight bemyonly chance to get free rein of thedeck.IsearchdeepintothenightuntilIhearsplashingwaterandlaughingmen.Somehavereturnedtofinallysleepofftheircelebrating.

Though my eyes strain with the effort it takes to keep them open, I’mdisappointedIwon’tfindthemaptonight.

I’mgettingclose,though.Andthat’senoughfornow.

Chapter9

ITRYTOSLEEPonthefloorwhenIreturn,Ireallydo.Butaftersomanynightsspent on the cold,wooden floor ofmy cell,Riden’s bed is too inviting.Evenwithhiminit.

Besides,he’sasleep.Hestayedoutofit theentiretimeIsearchedthedeck.Hewon’twakeifIjustsidleupthereontheend.

I barely fit in the space. I can feel the heat pouring intome fromRiden’sback.He’sawfullywarm.Idon’tthinkheneedsthatblanket.

SoIsnatchitandreturnthekeytohisbreechesbeforedriftingoff.

***

MyfirstthoughtwhenIwakeisthatI’msowarm.I’mwrappedinit,likeI’vebeentrappedinsidealarge,heatedcocoon.Itfeelssogood,Ilietherewithmyeyesclosed.Idon’tcarewhereIamorwhatI’mdoing.Thisistoopleasanttoruinbydoingsomethingasrigorousasmoving.

Ifeellipsonmyforehead.Nowsomeone’snuzzlingmyneck.“Youstolemyblanket,Alosa,”avoicewhispersinmyear.Ishouldknowthatvoice,butI’mstilladdledbysleep.“That’sallright.Idon’tmindsharing.Youkeptmeplentywarmlastnight.”“Mmm”isallIsayinresponse.“Thisisfun,butwehavetogetup.You’vegotworktodotoday.”“Stoptalking.”

He laughs softly.A hand brushesmy hair back frommy face. “I love thishair.Fieryred.Justlikeyourspirit.”

Myeyessnapopenatlast.Riden’srolledhalfwayontome,hisheadproppedupinhislefthand.Hisrightoneisstillplayingwithmyhair.

I rolloff thebedand landhardon the floor.“Ow.”I’mstandingamomentlater.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Well,Iwassleepinginmybed.Don’tknowwhatyouweredoing.Howeverdidyoumanagetoclimbintothebedwithoutwakingme?”

“Must’vewalkedinmysleep.”“I’msure.”Irubatmyeyesandstraightenmyclothes.“Noneedforthat,”hesays.“I’msurenoonewillgetthewrongimpression

whenyouwalkoutofhere.”“Indeed,”Isay,clenchingmyteeth.ButasIlookaroundtheroom,mymood

brightens.“ShouldweshowthemwhatI’vedonewiththeplace?”Riden sits up, winces. “About that. I’ve decided we’ve been wasting your

potential,whatwiththewaywe’vebeenkeepingyoulockedupinthatcellallthe time.You’vegot toomuchenergyforescapingandwreakinghavoc inmyroom.Ithinkit’stimeweputyourskillstouse.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”“You’ll see. I’ll be back in a moment.” He dons a shirt and boots before

leaving.Acoldburstofairenterstheroomasthedooropens.That’senoughtowakemealltheway.

Idosomestretches,pullmybootsbackon,andtrynottobediscouragedbythefactthatthemapstillhasn’tturnedup.I’veyettochecktheaftercastleandthe crow’s nest. Then there are still plenty of places belowdecks that needsearching.Idon’tthinkDraxenwouldhideitwherehiscrewcouldstumbleontoit—but as I remember the hidden panels in the smuggling ship, I have toacknowledgethattherecouldbeplentyofgoodhidingplacesbelowdecks.

Riden interrupts my thoughts by coming back into the room only a few

momentslater.Hedoesn’treturnempty-handed.Hehasasetofmanaclesinhishand.

“You’regoingtoclapmeinirons,isthatit?”Iask.“Whatfor?”“Numerousescapeattempts,causingbodilyinjurytothefirstmateaswellas

several members of the crew, the death of a pirate—and for your ownhumiliation.”

“Thatremindsme,IwonderhowinterestedDraxenwouldbetohearthatyouletmekillamemberofhiscrew.”

“Lass,doyouhonestlythinkhe’dbelieveyouoverme?”“ThatdependsonhowmuchofacowardDraxenalreadysuspectsyoureally

are.”Riden’sfacehardens.“That’senoughofthat.”Heclampsonthemanacles.I

can tellheenjoys it far toomuch.He’s right:Thehumiliationof it allwillbeawful.Idonotwanttogooutthereandfacetherestofthecrew.

Iturntowardhimfully.“WhenIgetoutofthis,I’mgoingtograbmycrewandhuntyoualldown.Iwillnotstopuntileverypirateonthisshipisdead.”

“We’realltremblingwithfear.”“You should be. I’ve some of the best trackers in the world aboard my

vessel.”MyheartwarmswithpridetothinkofZimah.“Aretheyfieryredheadsaswell?”“No.”“Shame.Now,let’sgo.Youdon’twanttobelate.”“Lateforwhat?”Ridenleadsmeoutside.Naulaisnowfarinthedistance,amerespeckonthe

horizon.Iwonderwhatournextdestinationcouldbe.Themenareeverywhere,scrubbingandmoppingatthedeck.Movingcargo

around. Seeing to the sails. Draxen stands near the helm, overseeing thenavigation.Hehashishandsathisbelt,feetspreadapart,ever-presentsneeronhisface.Helooksdown.

“Ah,princess,howareyouenjoyingyourstay?”

I’mtemptedtospitonthedeck,butIdon’tspit.That’sdisgusting.“Justfine,Captain.ButI’mmoreexcitedaboutwhatwillcomeaftermystay.”

“Yes,I’msurewe’llhearplentymoredeaththreatsfromyoutoday.Fornow,gettoyourduties.”

“Duties?”Iask,lookingbetweenhimandRiden.“You’llbeassistingthecrewwithswabbingthedeck,”Ridenexplains.“Ha.Ithinknot.”“You’veprovenyoucan’tbe left alone.Forvarious reasons.” I can tellhis

mind drifts to his ransacked room. “And I’ll not have you being a nuisance,followingmeabout.You’llmakeyourselfuseful.”

“Andjusthowdoyouintendtomakeme?”“Liomen?”“Aye,MasterRiden?”avoicecallsfromawaysoff.“Bringmearopeandhook.”“Yes,sir,”thevoiceanswerswithmerriment.I knowexactlywhat thatmeans, but theprospect doesn’t troubleme.Such

hookscanbehungdownfrommanyplacesontheship’smasts,andtheyattachnicelytothechainsstringingtogethermanacles.

Afterawhile,ahookisloweredfromupabove.RidenplacesitthroughoneofthemiddlechainsontheshacklesIwear.

Hehesitatesamoment,as ifhe’swaitingformetogivein.Toagreetotheworksohecantakethehookaway.

But I say nothing. I even glance away from him, as though I couldn’t bebotheredtolookathim.

“Hoistheraway,”Ridenfinallysays,anoteofeagernessinhisvoice.Allhishesitationseemstohavevanished.

Ican’ttellwhichistheshow:IsitthehesitationformeortheeagernessforDraxen?Maybeboth.Maybeneither.Ican’ttellwithhim.Heseemstogobackandforthfrequently,asthoughheisn’tsurewhathewantshimself.Ishetryingto prove himself to his brother in some way? But why should he need to?

Especiallyifhisbrotherloveshimunconditionally,asRidenclaims.PerhapsRidencan’tadmitthetrutheventohimself.Igripthechainsoneitherside,justabovethecuffsaroundmywrists.IfIlet

thefullweightofmybodypullonmywrists,themetalwouldbiteintomyskin,anditwouldhurt.Alot.It’sbesttotaketheweightonmytightenedfists.

Ridenisn’tblinking.Draxenwatchesthespectaclewithinterest.Thepiratesarealleager.Theywantsomesortofshow?I’llgivethemone.

Insteadofallowing thisLiomen togetmeup into theair, Igive the ropeagoodtugbeforemyfeetgetevenclosetobeingofftheground.

Liomen,eithernotexpectingitorunabletostopit,fallsfromthemainmast.AfewpiratesduckoutofthewayjustbeforeLiomenhitsthedeck,cuttingoffhisscream.

There’smoaning.Heprobablybrokeoneorbothofhisarms.Maybea leg.Hardtosaywhensomeone’sfallingsoquickly.

Somepirateslaugh.Others,whomustbehisfriends,surroundhim.Hismoansquickly turn tocursingasastreamofobscenitiesaredirectedat

me.Idon’tblamethelad.Iwouldcurse,too,ifIwereinhisposition.Draxendescendsfromtheupperdeck,gettinglevelwithme.Helooksatme

closelybeforecallingoutthenamesofthreemorepirates.“Getthelotofyoutothemast.Iwantherofftheground.Now!”

Theyclimbquickly,hurryingtofolloworders.Iwait,bored.Ifthere’safaultwiththesepirates,it’ssurelytheirsimplemindedness.

Thethreemengettothetop.They’reverycareful,wrappingtheropearoundtheirwrists several times before tuggingme up. I don’t bother to try to yankthemdown.Itwouldinvolvemoretheatricsonmypart.

NotthatI’mopposedtotheatrics.Ijusthavesomethingbetterinmind.TheystopwhenI’mfivefeetofftheground.Thentheytieofftheropewhile

Ihang,clingingtomychains.Aspectacleforallthepirates.Theystoleme.Iamaprizetothem,clearlystrungforalltosee.

ButI’malsostrongerthanthey’reusedtoseeing.Draxengetscloseenoughtoseemyfaceclearly.“Youkilledoneofmyfinest

menyesterday. I should letUlginhaveyou.But itwon’tdo tohave thepirateking’sdaughterunidentifiableonceweswapyoufortheransom.Thiswillhavetodo.”

Iignorehim,focusonlyonthethreepiratesdescendingtotheground.Iwaitforthemtomoldbackintothecrowdtoensuretheycan’tbeatmetothetop.

I needn’t haveworried.Everyone’s too stunned to do anything once I startclimbing.

“Oi,shecan’tdothat,”onepirateexclaims.Idon’tbothertolookdownatthem;Ifocusonthemovementsofmyarms.

Onehandover theother, relax,pull.Otherhand, relax,pull.Thechain lengthdoesn’tallowmetogainmuchropewitheachpull,butitisenough.Icanstillclimb.

AndIdo,allthewaytothetop.Ihitchalegovertheroundedwoodenbeamthatrestsbelowthesail.ThenIsit,straddlingthewood.I’mnotevenbreathinghard.IfonlyIcouldthinkofabrilliantplanforgettingthechainsoff.ButI’vegotnothingtoworkwithfromuphere.

“Bringherdown,”Draxencalls,facered—notthatIcanseeitclearly,butit’sfuntoimagineitallredandpuffy,fumingwithanger.

Moreandmoremenstarttoclimbupthemast.ButI’venointentionoflettinganypiratetouchme.SoIstarttoclimbbackdown.

IstopwhenI’mhalfwaydowntherope.Thepirateshesitateatthetop,nooneseemstowanttoclimbdownandjoinme.

Riden stepsup toDraxen,puts a reassuringhandonhis shoulder. “Alosa!”Ridenshouts.“Comeallthewaydown,orI’llordertheropecut.”

Isighandrollmyeyes.Riden,Riden.It’ssad,really,thattheyallhavetotrysohardtomakemebehave.

Idoashesays,though.I’venointentionofgainingbreaksorbruises.Ijustreallydon’twanttocleanthedeck.

Hanging at the end of the rope, I wait. It’s the only trick I have left. It’smomentssuchasthesewhenI’mtrulygratefulformyfather’sblastedendurancetests.Theymademestrong.TheymademeawareofhowmuchIcanhandle.

Andnoonehas everbeenable tooutlastmeat holdingup theirownbodyweight.

MinutespassandstillIhang.Everyonewatches,waitingformetosagfromexhaustion.CurioustoseehowlongI’llbeatthis.

Ridencoughs.“Captain,perhapsthemenshouldgetbacktoworkwhiletheprincesssuffersherpunishment.”

“Aye,”Draxensays.“Youheardthecaptain.Backtoyourpositions.Getonwithit.Whoknows?

Shemightstillbeconsciouswhenyou’redone.”Themenlaughas theyscatter todifferentareasof theship.Themuscles in

myarmsandstomachstarttosting.At least I don’t have somuch of an audience now. It’s mostly Riden and

Draxen.Draxenlooksonwithsatisfaction.AndRiden—Ridenlooks…Icannottell.Hejustlooks.

The sunmoves in the sky.Thewindchangesdirection.Mybodybegins totremble.It’shardtobreathe.

AndthenIcan’ttakeitanymore.Idropmyself.Theironpinchesatmyskin,digsintomybones.Ithurtslikehell,butI’llnotutterawordofcomplaint.EvenifIagreedtoclean,thecaptainwouldonlykeepmeupherenow.HewantsmetosufferforwhathappenedtoSheck.Icanseeitinhiseyes.Therewillbenoreliefforquitesometime.

EventuallyRidenand thecaptainmoveon.Theyhaveduties toperformaswell.Ithinkthey’reconsultinginthecaptain’squartersnow.It’sdifficulttotell.Turningmyheadinvolvestoomucheffort.

“MissAlosa,”avoicewhispers.“Yes,Enwen?CanIhelpyouwithsomething?”He smiles, knowing very well I can’t do anything for him in my present

condition. “It would take a hurricane to dampen your spirits, lass. I havesomethingforyou.”

“Whatisit?”“Thesirenbracelet.IboughtitfromBelorafterwewokeupfromtheconkto

theheadyougaveus.”“I’mreallysorryaboutthat.”“You already apologized,miss. Remember?No harm in trying to fight for

your freedom. ’Tis a noble cause. I can’t fault you.Would’ve done the samething.Now,here.”

Hetiestheleatherstringtomyankle.“That’sabootlace,Enwen.”“Maybeso.Maybenotso.Importantthingisthatyouhaveitanyway.”“Whywouldyougivemesomethingyouboughtforyourself?”“Istolesomeofyourhair.AndIhadtobeyourprisonguard.Kidnappingand

mistreatingwomen is notwhy I became a pirate. I’m a proper thief andgoodwithaknife.Nothingmore.Itdon’tsitrightwithmewhatwe’redoingtoYourHighness.Besides,I’llstealthecoinsbackfromBelortonight.”

HestepscloserandwhisperssosoftlynowthatIcanbarelyhearhim.“Andbetweenyouandme, themenwerelaughingatmesomethingfierce.Theonlythingthatbraceletbroughtmewasmockery.”

“Hmm.Then I think its powerswereworking onme before you tied it onme.”

“No, no, Miss Alosa. I already thought of that. This token is a bracelet.Braceletsareforwomen.It’llbringyouprotectionfromtheseabutnotme.”

Ilaughsoftly.“Thanks,then,Enwen.”“’Tisapleasure,miss.Beseeingyouaround.”Bloodstartstoslidedownmyarms.Bah,nowmyclothesarestained.Every once in a while, I’ll start to regain my strength enough to pull the

pressureoffmywristsforabriefmoment.ButalwaysIendupbackwhereIam,danglingaboveashipfullofbarbarians.ExceptforEnwen.

MaybeKearan,too.Hehoistsaflaskupintheair,aquestioninthegesture.Myreturninglookmustbesomethinglike,HowexactlywouldIdrinkthatfromuphere?

Heshrugsanddownstherumhimself.Isupposeitisthethoughtthatcounts.Atonepoint,IspotTheris throughthemassofworkingpirates.Heglances

upatmeacoupleoftimes.It’snotsympathyorworryonhisface,butcuriosity.Like all the other pirates, he’s probably wondering what insane thing I’ll donext.

AllIcanwonderiswhenthepainwillgoaway.ThetrulyagonizingthingisthatIcouldfreemyself.IfIdidn’thavetohide

whatIcando,Icouldgetoutofthisinnotime.ButIneedtostayonthisshiplonger.Ican’tgivemyselfaway.

After a while, it becomes hard to think. Hard to see. Hard to swallow.Everything goes hazy. People become blurry shapes. I try to look beyond theship,strainingintothedistance.Justasthereisadestinationfarbeyondthisone,therewillbeatimefarbeyondthisonewhentherewon’tbeanypain,justthememoryofit.AsItrytoholdthatinmymind,IthinkIseeablackbluronthehorizon.Aship.ButonceIblink,it’sgone.

It isn’t until it’s time for everyone to retire to their beds that I am finallyreleased.

“Cuttherope,”Draxencommands.After a day without food or water or solid ground, my whole body is too

weak.Evenmylegs.Icannotcatchmyself.SoIfallontomyback.“Uponyournextmistake,princess,Iwillhaveyoudanglingbyyourfeet.We

shallseehowlongittakesforthebloodtomakeyourheadexplode.Getheroutofmysight,Riden.”

“Aye,Captain.”“Try not to have toomuch funwith herwhile she’s staying in your room.

Can’thaveherinabadconditionwhenwemeetthepirateking.”“She’llbesafewithme.”

“Offwithyou,then.”Ridenscoopsmeupinonesmoothmovement.Somehowhemanagesnotto

makeanythinghurtmorethanitalreadydoes.He’sverygentlewithme,holdingmeclosetohischest.IthinkI’dratherhavemyheaddraggedontheground,butIhaven’tthepowertomove.

He carries me into his room, shuts the door, and lays me on the bed. Aninstantlaterthemanaclesareoff,andIgaspatthepaintheremovalcauses.

“Shh,” Riden says soothingly. “I know, Alosa. Just a moment. I’ll putsomethingonthat.Stayherefornow.”

WherewouldIgo?Ican’tmove.He’sdriftingaroundtheroom,lookingforsomething.“Thiswouldbeeasier

ifyouhadn’tmovedandbrokeneverything.”Iopenmymouth,butIthinksomethingsimilartoacroakratherthanwords

comesout.“Whatwasthat?”Ridenasks.Icoughandtryagain.“IthinkIrememberkickingsomethingunderthebed.”Hesighsbeforedroppingdowntohisknees.“Here’ssomething,Ithink,”hesays.Thebeddipsashesitsonit.Heputshishandsundermyarmsandhaulsme

up.Ihissthroughmyteeth.“Sorry.Almostthere.”I’m sitting in his lap, my back pressed against his chest. His head cranes

aroundmynecktoseemyhandswhileheputssomesortofsalveonthem.“Oh.”Isighincontentment.“Betthatfeelsbetter.”Helets thesalvestayonmywristsforafewminutesbeforeapplyingsome

more.Thenhewrapsbandagesovermyraw,rippedskin.Itrytothinkonlyaboutbreathing.Notthepainorache.Justbreathe.Riden’s

done.Yethecontinuestosithere,holdingme.It’squietforsometime.

“I’msorry.Ihadnoideahe’dletyouhangforsolong.”“If I remember correctly, you’re the one who suggested hoisting me up

there.”“Itwas ameansof persuadingyou todo as the captainwanted. I expected

youtoagreetothechoresbeforetheropewasevenhung.Youweren’tsupposedtobestubborn.”

“Youshouldhaveknownbetter,”Isay.“Yes,Ishouldhave.I’mtrulysorry.”For some reasonhis apology frustratesme.Levelly, I say, “Ifyou’re sorry,

thatmeansyouwantforgiveness.Isthatwhatyou’reaskingfor?”He’ssilent.Ispeakagainbeforehecananswer.“Ifyouwantforgiveness,that

meansyouwanttomakethingsright.Andifyouwanttomakethingsright,thatmeansthatyoudon’tintendtoputmeinharm’swayagain.So,ifyouaresayingyou’resorry,Idon’tthinkyouunderstandwhatthatentails.”

“Ididn’thaveachoice,”hesays.“Ofcourseyouhadachoice,Riden.Youjusthadahardone.Andyouchose

theeasyoption,whichwastodonothing.”“Easy?Doyouthinkitwaseasyformetowatchyou?Seeingyouupthere,

knowingthepainyoumustbein,it…itmademefeel—itwouldhavehurtlessifIhadbeentheonehanging.Ihatedmyselfforwhathappened.AndtheonlywayIcouldpunishmyselfwastoforcemyselftowatchyouinpain.Thatwasmypunishment.”

Riden starts strokingmy hair. I’m tempted to let the conversation drop, tosinkfartherintohisembraceandsleep.Butdespitehowhe’stakingcareofmenow,I’mstillfuriouswithhim.

“What a nice sentiment,” I say. “But words only mean something whenbackedupwithactions.Evenifallyousayistrue,you’retoocowardlytoeverdowhatyouwanttodo.Anditseemstomethatuntilyoubreakawayfromyourbrother,youwon’tbeabletodoanythingatall.”

Thehandatmyhair stills. “That’s richcoming fromyou.You’reservinga

tyrant,amanwhobasicallyhascontrolovertheentireworld.We’repirates.Notpoliticians.Our sortweren’tmeant to rule.Thereneeds tobeorder sowecandisrupt it. If there’snoorder in the first place, thenwheredoes that leaveus?Theworld has changed in recent years.Andyou’ve chosen to help it change.Notforthebetter.Ourchoicesaretodieoutorjointhepirateking.WhydoyouserveKalligan?SothatPapawillloveyou?”

“You don’t know anything about me or my father. You should stoppretendingotherwise.Now,letmego.”Itrytopullaway,butheholdsmemoresecurely.

“No.”“Letmego.Idon’twantyoutouchingme.Youdisgustme.”“Lass,you’retooweaktoforceme.Letmetakecareofyoufornow.It’sallI

candoforyou,soletmedoit.Youmaythinkyouhavemeallfiguredout,butyou don’t. I’ve gotmyown reasons forwantingDraxen to succeed.Weneedyou. It’s for the best. Letting you dangle over the deck never should havehappened.IwilldowhatIcantoensureyoursafety,ifyoucanpromisetostopbeingsodamnstubborn.”

Idon’twanttotalktohimanymore,soIpretendtobeasleep.Hehuffsquietly.“Mightaswelltellafishnottoswim.”

Chapter10

FORTHESECONDTIMEIawakeinRiden’sarms.He’sstillasleep,andIlikethatI’mallowedtostareathisfaceforaslongasI

want.Fulllips,straightnose,ascarthatrecedesintohishairlineontheleftsideofhisface.Thatmusthavebeenquitethehittothehead.Iwonderifhisfatherdidit.Ridenneverseemstowanttotalkabouthisfather.Mightbebecauseofhowhisfathertreatedhim,oritmightbebecauseRidenkilledhim.Maybeboth.

Hestirsthen.Iquicklylookdownatmywristssoasnottobecaughtstaring.Suddenly,I’movercomewiththeurgetoripthebandagesoff.

Riden’shand shootsout,grasping rightbelow the injuryonmy rightwrist.“Notyet.Keep thosebandageson.Youneed tokeepyourwoundsclean forawhile.”

“Ititchessomethingfierce.”“Iknow,anditwillonlygetworse,butyoumustn’tscratch.”“AndIsupposeyou’vehadtowearmanaclesbefore?”“Everyoneontheshiphas.”“At the same time?” I clarify. His response is a little unusual, full of

bitternessandregret.“Yes.”“Whathappened?”Riden’s hand is still on my arm. He’s taken to stroking my skin with his

fingertips.Idon’tstophimbecauseitmakestheitchingsubside.

“I’lltellyouwhat,Alosa.I’llofferyouastoryinexchangeforastory.”“Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”“Tellmeaboutyourscars.”“That’smanystories.”“ButI’msureyoucangivemesomething.”“IsupposeIcould,butyoufirst.”Ridenthinksforamoment.Hepropshisheadupwithhisfreehand,theother

stilltracingmyskin.“Allright.Itrustyou.I’llgofirst.”Hetrustsme?Whatexactlyisthatsupposedtomean?Isheafool?I’vegiven

himno reason to trustme. It’smore likelyhe feelsobligated togo first,whatwithyesterday’seventsandall.

There aremany kinds of pirates, but Riden is the first I’vemet who feelsremorseforhispirating.Perhapsthat’swhyIfindhimsointeresting.Hetreatsmebetterthananyotherpiratewouldaprisoner,I’msure.

“About a year prior,” Riden starts, “my father, Lord Jeskor, was still incommand of this ship. Draxen and I had been living on the Night Farerpractically ourwhole lives. I’m sure you can relate. Pirate lords need sons topass their legacyon to.Or, inyourcase,adaughter.Peculiar, thatone.You’llhavetoexplaintomesomedayhowthatallstartedout.”

“No,Idon’t,”Isay.Hesmiles.“Isupposeyoudon’t,butI’dbecurioustoknow.”“Yourstory?”“Right.Well,manyofuson the shipare the sonsof theoriginalcrewmen.

Othersareyoungthievesandmurdererswhowepickedupalongtheway.Weputtogetheracrewaftertheshipwasours.”

“Andhowdidtheshipbecomeyours?Wheredotheironscomein?”He puts a finger to my lips. “Shh. I’m getting to that part. You can be

downrightimpatientsometimes.”Ifrownunderthepressureofhisfinger.Heremovesitandsetsitonthebed.“Myfatherhadbecomecareless.Heandhismenspentfartoomuchtimeon

land and less time on the sea, pirating. They were lazy, drunk, loud—all thetime.We, their sons and fellow crewmembers,were all but forgotten. Sowedecidedtotrytotaketheshipfromthem.”

I raise a brow in disbelief. “You expectme to believe your father, a piratelord,becamelazy,andthatmotivatedyoualltotaketheship?”

“Youknowwhatit’sliketoberaisedbypirates—I’veseenyourscars.Oursare less visible. They barely fed us. They gave us the more dangerous jobsduringour robbingandplundering.Wewerebeatenwhenever theygotbored,whichwasquite regularly.Finally,we’dhadenough.Andwe tried to take theship.”

“Andyoufailed.”“Yes,wefailed.Theyputusinchains,lockedusinthebrig,thendecidedto

killusallonebyoneformutiny.”“Theyobviouslydidn’tsucceed.”Ridenshakeshishead.“No,but theycameclose.Myfatherwanted tostart

with me. I was… a disappointment to him. I hadn’t turned out the way hewantedmeto.Didn’tlookenoughlikehim.Didn’ttalk,walk,drinklikehim.Ithinkmy father chalked it up to the fact thatwe have differentmothers—butwhatever the reason, Draxen was always more like him. Do you have anybrothersorsisters,Alosa?”

“I’msurebynowthere’snearahundredofthem.Myfatherhasquitethe…appetite.ButI’mtheonlyonehe’sclaimed.Ifthereareothers,Idonotknowofthem.”

“I see. I was raised with Draxen.We did everything together. Played andfought.Healwayslookedoutforme,beingmyolderbrother.Whenmyfatheryelledandhitme,Draxenwouldcometomydefense.Hewasmyprotector inouryoungeryears,during the timewhenhewasbigger thanI.Thenwegrew,andIcouldstartlookingoutforhiminreturn.”

Normally, here iswhere Iwould throwout someamount of snark.Riden’sstoryisverysappy.Butstrangely,Ifeeltheneedtobestill.Tolisten.

“We have a strong bond. It’s the strongest thing I have in my life. And Iwouldneverdoanythingtobreakitbecausemywholelifehasbeenbuiltaroundit.Sowithoutit,Idon’tknowwhatIwouldbe.Nothinggood.”

Iwonderwhatitwouldbeliketohavesomethinglikethat.Someonewhomyoucouldtrustandcallyourfriendsincechildhood.Ihavemanygoodwomenaboard my crew whom I trust and call friends. But they are all recent finds.Withinthelastfiveyearsorso.Idon’thaveanythingI’veheldontosinceIwaslittle.

Exceptmyfather,ofcourse.“My father was about to kill me for what he assumed would be my last

disappointing act. But then Draxen was there. He’d broken free of the menholdinghimandcometomyrescue.Yetagain.Thatactsavedmylife.Whenitmost counted, Draxen chose me over our father. I owe him my life and myallegiance.HeisthebestthingIhave,andIwouldneverdoanythingtohurtorbetrayhim.

“Draxen thenpitchedhisskillwith theswordagainstour father.ButFatherwas an excellent swordsman, drunk and lazy or not.He disarmedDraxen andwasabout tokillhim.ButIpickedupmybrother’sfallensword.AndIkilledhim.”

“Andwhathappenedafterthat?”Iask.“KillingourfatherhadastrangeeffectonDraxenandme.Wefeltfreerwith

himgone,stronger.Wefoughtourwaytothebrig.Wereleasedeveryone.Andwetooktheship.”

“Justlikethat?”“Well,Ileftoutallthefightingbits,butI’msureyouknowwhatafightlooks

andsoundslike.”Andsmellsandfeelsandtasteslike.“Nowtellmeaboutyourscars,”Ridensays.Adeal’sadeal.SoItellhim.ButIdon’twanthimtofeelsorryforme.SoI

state everything like it’s fact. No feeling. No remorse. I tell him about my

endurancetests.Myrigorousfightingpractices.Theregulartrialsmyfathergaveme.Idon’tgointotoomuchdetail.HejustneedsasenseoflifewithmyfatherinordertobesatisfiedthatIdidn’tlietohimbysayingIwouldshareifhedid.

At the end,Riden asks, “Andare all your father’smen trained in the sameway?”

“Well,I’mtheonlyonehe’strainedpersonally,but—”Icutoffquickly.“What?”“Why do you want to know about their training? Is this another blasted

interrogation?” I jump out of the bed in an instant, shoving half of Riden’sweightoffmeintheprocess.“Ican’tbelieveyou.Whatthehellisthis,Riden?Youshowmekindnessandthenexpectmetoopenuptoyou,isthatit?”

Riden shrugs. “You’re a woman and the pirate king’s daughter at that.Something tellsmeyouwouldn’tbudgeunder torture.Weneeded toapproachyouinadifferentway.”

“Damnyou.Andyourblastedcrew.Isanyofthisreal?”Ridensitsupandregardsmeseriously.“Isanyofwhatreal?”“Yourstory?This?”Igestureabouttheroom.“Alltheniceties?Aretheyjust

awaytogetmetoopenup?”Hestandsandputshishandsonmyshoulders.“Mostofitisreal,Alosa,even

thoughitshouldn’tbe.”Ishovehimbackandwinceatyesterday’swounds.“Whatisthatsupposedto

mean?You’replayingapart.Theconflictedfirstmate.You’realie.”“Soareyou.Whydon’tyoutellmewhatyou’rereallydoingonthisship?”“I’mnotdoinganything!”Iscream.“Justletmego.Iwanttogonow!”It’s hard keeping up appearances when I’m so furious. But it needs to be

done.“Can’tdothat.Notunlessyouwanttotellmewhereyourfather’shideaway

is?Thenwe’lltakeyourighttohim.”Icanfeelmywholebodytense.I’mgoingtoexplodeifIdon’thitsomething.“Ah,”Ridensays.“I’vecometounderstandthatlook.I’llleaveyoualonefor

awhile.”Heleavesrightbeforemyfootconnectswiththedoor.

***

Itrytotellmyselfthatitdoesn’tmatter.WhatdoIcareifRiden’sbeentryingtogather information from me? I already knew he was doing it. I just hadn’texpectedhimtotryusingasentimentalapproach.

Nothing’schanged.I’mstilltryingtogetthemap.AndaslongasIkeepthelocationofmyfather’skeepasecret,Icancontinuesearchingforit.SowhatifRidengetsalittleclevernowandthen?Hecan’ttouchme.

I’m sittingon the edgeofRiden’sbed,waitingout theday,when thedooropens.Wasittoomuchtohopeitwouldn’tbeRiden?

Hegrabsmyupperarm.“Captainwantstoseeyou.”Itrytopunchhiminthestomach,buthe’sexpectingit.Hecatchesmyfist.

“Comeon,Alosa.Let’sseewhathewants.”“I don’t want to see what he wants. Every time I see Draxen, something

terriblehappens.Iwanttobeleftalone.I’mdonewithyou,andI’mdonewithbeingonthisship.”

“Come on.” He drags me toward the door. “Something terrible won’thappen.”

Igivehimalook.“Something terrible probably won’t happen. Just give Draxen whatever he

wants.”“HowaboutifIgiveDraxenwhathedeserves?”He laughs as he dragsme the rest of theway.Up the companionway. Into

Draxen’squarters.“Ah,heresheis,”Draxensays.Hehasacoupleofmenalreadyinherewith

him:KearanandUlgin.Isuppressashudder.“Ithinkitbestthattheprincessbekeptinironswhenshe’snotlockedup.”HenodstowardUlgin,whopullsasetofmanaclesfromhisbelt.

“She’s still weak from yesterday, Captain,” Riden says, jerking his headtowardmywrists.“Idon’tthinkthat’snecessary.”

“Ifyousayso,Riden.Alosa,haveaseat.”“IthinkI’dratherstand.”“Iwasn’tasking.”Riden moves me in front of a chair and puts pressure on my shoulders.

Reluctantly,Isit.IfIdon’tlikewhathappensnext,Icanalwaysgetbackup.“Wereceivedwordfromyourfatheryesterday.”“How’sthat?Iwastoldnooneknewourlocation.”“We’vebeenusingyanobirds.”Idon’texpecttohearthat.Yanobirdsareusedforcarryingmessagesoutto

sea.They’re very fast and excellent navigators. They’re also perfect for silentcommunication, because the birds don’t utter a note of song. But they’reextremelyrare.Myfatherhimselfhasonlyfiveofthem.

“Howdidyoucomebyone?”Iask.“I’veacrewofmenwhoareverygoodatgettingthingsdone.Yourconcern

should bewhat happens to youwithin the next fiveminutes. I want to knowwhereyourfather’skeepis.”

“Hedidn’ttellyouinhisletter?Shocker,that.”Draxenscowlsatmytone.Iask,“Whatexactlydidhisnotesay?”“He’s willing to negotiate a ransom. I just have to name an amount and

location.”“Sodoit,then.”Draxen smiles his evil smile, baring his gold tooth. It’s a calculating,

maliciousgrinmatchedwithcoldeyes.SodifferentfromthewayRidensmileswhenhethinkshehastheupperhandonme.Riden’sisvictorious,evencocky,sure,butharmlesssomehow.ButDraxen—hisislacedwithpoison.

“See now,” Draxen says, “I have this feeling I would show up and besurroundedbytenofyourfather’sships.Ithinkitwouldbefarbettertosurprise

himandnegotiatewhenheisunprepared,don’tyou?”“Myfather’spromiseofpeaceisn’tenoughtoswayyou?”“Riden’sinformedmethatyouarespecialtoyourfather.Itseemstomethat

whenitcomestoyou,wecan’tcountonpromises.Weneedsomethingmoretoworkwith.ItoldyouwhatwouldhappenifyoucontinuedtobeuncooperativewithRiden.I’vegrownimpatient.Ineedyourfather’slocationnow.”

“I’mnotgivingittoyou.”Draxen clenches his teeth and jerks his head violently to the side. “I was

goingtoletUlginhaveyouifyouweren’tcooperative,butIfindI’vegotfartoomuchofadesiretohandlethisinterrogationmyself.”

Thisisnotgoingtobepleasant.Draxengetsbehindmeandyanksmyheadbackwardbymyhair.Igrimaceat

thepain.Hestrikesthesideofmyfacewithaclosedfist.“WhereisKalligan’skeep,girl?”Idon’tanswer.Hehitsmeagain.“Draxen.”It’sRiden.“What?”“Thisdoesn’tsitrightwithme.”“Thenleave.Itneedstobedoneandyouknowit.”Ireceiveanotherblowto

thehead.Mynosestartstobleed.Youcan’tfightback,Itellmyself.YoucankillDraxenyourselfwhenthisis

allover,butrightnowyoucan’tfightback.It’smyfather’svoiceinmyhead.“Draxen,please,”Ridentriesagain.“I said ‘leave,’Riden.”Draxenhitsmewith his other hand.This onebites

moredeeply. I think it’shis ringhand,wherehebears thesealof theAllemosline.Itcutsmycheek.

“Brother,” Riden tries again. This time more forcefully. It’s the mostbackboneI’veseenfromhim.

Draxen’seyesmustbealightwithbloodlust.Buthehaltsat thatoneword.Hesighsasiftoclearhishead.“Fine,Riden.Ifyouinsist.Areyoureadytotalk

yet,princess?”Iremainsilent.“Whatdoyouthink,Riden?”Draxenasks,andIdon’tlikethenewtonehis

voicetakes.“Thepiratekingdoesn’tneedadaughterwithhair,doeshe?”Ihearaknifeslideoutofasheath.Riden doesn’t protest at this.Whywould he? It doesn’t hurt to have one’s

haircut,butheseemsnottounderstandthevalueawoman’shairhastoher.AndI’venointentionoflosingmine.“Stop!”Dropsofbloodsprayoutward

asIspeak.Thebloodfrommynosehasrunintomymouth.Kearantiltshisheadtothesideandspeaksforthefirsttime.“That’swhatit

took?Herbloodyhair?”“Tointerrogateawoman,youhavetothinklikeawoman,”Draxensays.“Whichisstrangelyeffortlessforyou,”Isay.DespiteRiden’searlierprotests,Draxenhitsmeagain.ButIdon’tcare.That

onewasworthit.Theotherpiratesintheroomhavethesensenottolaugh.“Thelocation,Alosa,”Draxendemands.“Lycon’sPeak.Doyouknowit?”Iask.“Aye.”Kearan’stheonewhoanswers.Naturally.EnwentoldmethatKearan

wasonceatravelerandadventurer.“Thekeepistwoweeks’sailnortheastofthere.”“Isthatpossible?”Draxenasks.“Isthereanythingabovethat?”Kearansays,“Therecouldeasilybeafewsmallislandsthere.”Draxenreleasesmyhairandstandsinfrontofme.“Ifyou’relying,girl,Iwill

takebothyourhairandahand.”“Do you truly think you’ll be successful sneaking into my father’s keep?

Onceyougetthere,myfatherwillhangyouall.”“We’lltakeourchances.Riden,taketheprisonerbacktoherquarters.Bring

mebackamap.Kearan,meetusatthehelmtosetourcourse.”Afewmomentslater,I’mbackinRiden’sroom,holdingatoweltomynose

whileRidendigsthroughthepileofmapsinhisroom.

Hecan’tseemyhugesmileunderthetowel.It’snotjustbecauseI’veallbutdestroyed all of hismaps. I also didn’t have to give away the location tomyfather’s keep. No, the location I gave them is onemy father and I discussedbeforeIsetoutonthismission.Myfatherandmanyofhismenwillbewaitingthere forme to returnwith themap.We knewDraxenwould try to discoverwheremyfather’skeepis.Wehadalocationalreadyinmindtogivehimshouldthingsturnsour.

TheonlyproblemnowisthatIhaveadeadlineforfindingthatmap.Ihavetohaveitbeforewereachmyfather.Orhewillnotbepleased.

Badthingshappenwhenhe’snotpleased.

Chapter11

RIDENLEAVESMEALONE for several hours that day.Thoughmy face doesn’thurt anymore (I’ve always been a fast healer), my stomach aches somethingfiercefromthewantoffood.It’sbeenadayandahalfsinceI’veeaten.

ItrytoimagineI’mhomeatthekeep,attendingoneofFather’sgrandfeasts.He’llhaveeverykindofmeatimaginable,fromporktobeeftofowl.Mymouthwaters at the imagined taste of steamed vegetables and sweetened fruits. Piesand wine. Bread and cheese. If they don’t feed me today, I’ll have to risksneakingdowntothekitchenstonight.

ButIneedn’thaveworried.Icansmellsomethinghotanddeliciousfromtheothersideofthedoor.AssoonasRidenenters,Ipluckoneofthebowlsoutofhishand.“Careful,”hesays,“it’sstillhot.”Idon’tcare.IburnaspotonmytongueasItakeafewgulpsofthesoup.I

hardlyeventasteitastheliquidburnsallthewaydowntomystomach.Whenmybowlisdrained,IgrabtheotheroneinRiden’shandandstartonit.

“I’m sorry. I hadn’t realized how long it’d been since you’d eaten. Youshould’vesaidsomething.”

Idon’tlookhiswaywhileIeat.I’veenoughfoodinmenowtopatientlyusethespoonandblowon thesoup.Myteetheagerlybite into thevegetablesandpotatoesinthemix.

WhenI’vefinishedthesecondbowl,Idropittothegroundandretreattothe

bed.Istillfeelweakerthanusual.Itmightbemidday,butsomethingtellsmeIcoulddriftoffnowandsleepall thewayuntilmorning.Toomanynightswithtoolittlesleep.

Myeyesareclosed,butIcanhearRidenmovingaroundtheroom.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Tryingtocleanupyourmess.”“Couldyoudoitmorequietly?I’mtryingtosleep.I’vehadaroughcoupleof

days,youknow.”Hesnorts,buttherustlingsoundofcleaningstillcontinues.“Goodidea,youcleaningtheroomandall,”Isay.“I’llneedsomethingtodo

tomorrow.”There’saloudslamashethrowsdownwhateverhe’dbeenholding.Myeyes

flyopenasRidenhaulsmeupbymyarms.“Whatareyoudoing?”Idemand.“Youcannotkeeptouchingmeasthough

I’masmallchildyoucanpickupandmovewheneveryouwantto.”“Ifyouinsistoncontinuallyactinglikeachild,thenthereisnoreasonwhyI

shouldn’ttreatyouasone.”“WhatonManeriaareyoutalkingabout?”“Myroom!”Hehuffs. “Lookat it. It’s filthy.Halfofmy thingsare ruined,

thankstoyourdamneddrawings.Ioughttotossyouoverboard!”“Youlockedmeupinhere!Whatdidyouthinkwouldhappen?Youshould

tossyourselfoverforbeingacomplete idiot.Andifyouwantedmepunished,thenyoushouldhaveletthecaptaincontinueonwithmeinsteadofaskinghimtostop!”

“AreyoucomplainingbecauseIhelpedyou?”“Ihadthingsundercontrol.”“JustyesterdayyouweremakingafussbecauseIdidn’tstickupforyou.You

can’thaveitbothways!Sopickone!”“WhatdoyoucarewhatIwant?Whydon’tyouhavetheballstodowhatyou

want?”

Ridensighsandlooksheavenward.“Stopdoingthat.”“Doingwhat?”“You’reawoman.Actlikeit.Youshouldn’tbesayingsuchfoul—”“I’llsaywhateverIplease.I’mnotalady,I’mapirate!”“Well,youshouldn’tbe!”“Andwhy’sthat?I’mplentygoodatit.”“Becausepiratesaren’tsupposedtolooklikeyoulookandtalklikeyoutalk

anddowhatyoudo.You’reconfusing,andit’smessingwithmyhead.”“How is thatmy fault? I’m sure your headwas plentymessed up before I

camealong.”I can feelRiden’s breath inmy face.He’s so close and so angry, I almost

wanttolaugh.“No,itwasn’t,”heinsists.Thenhe’skissingme.What the—Imisreadwhere thatwasgoing. Iwanted to irritatehim.Toget

underhisskin.Tomesswithhimbecausehe’sworkingfortheenemy.Ihadn’texactlyexpectedhimtogetallmushyasaresult.

Butthenagain,Ican’texactlydescribethisasmushy.It’spureirritationexpressedasaphysicalneed.Interesting.I’vekissedmanymen,piratesand landdwellersalike.Normally ithappens

rightbeforeI’mabouttostealsomethingfromthem.OrbecauseI’mbored.RightnowI’mnotsureIhaveanexcuse.Infact,I’msurethereareseveral

reasonswhyIshouldn’tbekissinghim.Ijustcan’tthinkofthematthemoment.Perhaps it’s because Riden’s lips taste even better than I’d imagined. Or

becausehis handsmakemy skin tinglewhere theyhold the sides ofmy face.Maybeit’sthethrillofdoingsomethingmyfatherwouldn’tapproveof.Imean,he’s not exactly the overprotective type. He couldn’t care less about mydalliances.Buthewouldmostdefinitelybeupset ifheknewIwaskissing theenemy,especiallywhenI’venothingtogainfromit.No,wait,that’snottrue.Itcoulddefinitelybenefitmetohavethefirstmatewrappedaroundmyfinger.

When Riden’s lips move down to my neck, I forget all about my father.There’snothingexceptheatandchillsallatonce.Hereachesthehollowatthebaseofmyneck,andIletoutasoftmoan.

He returns tomy lipswith a new intensity.Theburned spot onmy tonguetingleswhenhetracesitwithhisown.Iripoutthebandthatholdstogetherhishairandrunmyfingersthroughit.

Themomentisperfect.But the thoughthitsmelikeahammer:Thisshouldn’tbeperfect. Infact, it

isn’t.I’vegonetoolongwithoutpropersleepandfood.It’smakingmeactlikeasillytavernwench.Ican’tdothis.Ihavethievingtodo.

Itiswithgreateffort,notthephysicalkind,thatIpushRidenaway.Hischestisheavingupanddown.I’msuremineis,too.“That’senoughofthat,”Isay.“You’rebleedingagain,”Ridensays,touchingaspotonmycheek.Ihadn’tfeltthecutreopen.“Probablyyourfault.”“AsI’msureyoubelievemostthingsare.”“Ofcourse.”Hesmilesandstartstoleandownagain,andI’msoverytemptedtolethim

close thedistance.Wouldn’tbesohard ifhewasn’tsogoodat this. Instead, Isay,“Isaidthat’senough.”

Hestepsawayfrommequickly,asthoughhedoesn’ttrusthimselftobenearme.

“Ihavedutiestoperform,”hesays,turningaround.“I’msure.”

***

IwishIdidn’thave towaituntilnightfall tocontinuesearchingtheship.AllIhavetodowhenI’mleftaloneisthink.AndthinkingisthelastthingIwanttodorightnow.

I’dratherbepunchingsomething.

Enwen comes in later to bring me another meal. I smile once he retreats.Riden’sacoward.Hedoesn’twanttofacemerightnow.Perhapsthatkisswasagoodidea.It’llcertainlybeworthwatchinghimsquirmlater.

IgetinaquicknapsoI’llbereadybynightfall.ItwastemptingtogorightbacktosleeponceIawoke,butIhavenotimetowastenowthatDraxenandhiscrewareheadingformyfather.

It’s late when Riden enters the room again. He looks surprised to seeme.“Oh,Ithoughtyou’dbeasleep.”

“Youmeanyouwerehoping,”Isaywithasmile.“Andmissoutonwhateversnappycommentyouhavereadyforme?Nota

chance.”“Idon’thaveasnappycommentprepared.”“That’sashame.Iwasratherhopingforarepeatofwhathappenedafterthe

lastone.”“I’msure.Unfortunatelyforyou,I’mabittired.”“Thenwhyaren’tyouasleep?”“Iwasgettingthere.”“Looksmorelikeyouwerewaitingforme.”Oh please. Maybe I should knock him out for the night. I can’t do that,

though. He’d remember in the morning. I’d be all out of explanations if Iknockedhimoutbut stayedon the ship. I can’t leaveuntil Ihave thatblastedever-elusivemap!

“Justgotosleep,Riden.Here.”Igetoffthebedandsitinthechairinstead.“You’regoingtosleepthere?”“Yes.”“Why?”“BecauseIwantto,allright?What’swithallthequestions?”“I’myourinterrogator,remember?”“Rightnowyou’reoffduty,sogotosleep.”“Why do you so desperatelywantme to drift off?Hoping to climb in bed

afterI’mout?”“Actually,Iwantthesilencethatcomesafter.”Ridenlooksabouttheroom.“Youknow,it’sreallydifficultformetosleep

knowinghowfilthymyroomis.MaybeI’llstayupuntilyouconkout.”Idon’thavetimefor this.AndIcan’triskpretendingtofallasleepuntilhe

does.Imightactuallydriftoff,andthatwouldbeawholenightwasted.I’mirritated.AndperhapsifIweren’tsoirritated,Iwouldn’thavejumpedso

quicklytothissolution.ButI’mimpatientaftersittingaroundallday.Ihadmyface pummeled. I’m still cranky for thewant of sleep, and, honestly, I’m stillhungry.

So I begin to sing. Themelody is deep and soothing. I can feelmywholebodyhummingwithenergyas itdriftsoutofme. Icanfeeleveryplace in theroom.Thewaythesoundbouncesoffthewood,seepsintotheblankets,entersRiden’sears.

Hestepscloser,tryingtohearthetunebetter.Iindulgehimbyremovingthedistanceforhim.Itakehishandandleadhimtothebed.Hefollows,capturedbymy spell. I knowwhatRidenwants in life. Love and acceptance. Iweavethoseintothesongandcommandhimtosleepandforgetthatheeverheardmesing.

Hehasnochoicebuttoobey.

Chapter12

IFEELTHEEXPECTEDlongingoftheocean.IalwaysfeelitafterIusemysong.Mychestaches.Itburns,yearningtogounderthewaterwhereitcanbesoothedandnourished.Idon’tneedthestrengthoftheoceantosurvive,though,onlytoreplenishmysong—tostrengthen thepartofme that I try tokeephidden.Butreplenishingmyabilitieshasitsownconsequence.Thatotherpartofmetriestotakeover,somethingIcan’triskuntilafterI’vecompletedmymission.

Iammostlyhuman.ButwhenIallowmyselftousethegiftsmymothergaveme,Ibecomesomethingelse.AnditkillsmealittleinsideeachtimeIhavetofightitbackoff.

***

IslipbackintoRiden’sroomrightbeforethesunstartstorise.I’vegottoputthekeytothedoorbackintohispocket.

ButRidengroansashesitsupinbed.Iquicklymoveawayfromthedoorandjumpintothechairathisdesk.

“Whathappened?”heasks,puttinghishandtohishead.“Doyouhaveaheadache?” I ask. “Youweregroaning something fierce in

yoursleep.”“No,itdoesn’thurt.Itfeels…”I’vesung tomanymen in thepast.ThosewhomI’veallowed tokeep their

memory of the experience have tried to explain tomewhat it feels like. I’ve

heardit’seuphoric.Thatit’spleasureandhappinessallrolledintoone.WhenImakethemsleep,theydreamaboutmeallduringthenight.WhileIwasgrowingup, there weren’t many men who let me practice my songs on them. But Ipracticed anyway. It wasn’t as though my mother was around to teach me.Fatherwaseventuallyabletokeepmyabilitiesknowntoonlyaselectgroup.Hedidn’twant his rivals to know just howpowerful I am.The fighting skills hetaughtmealonemakemedangerous.Andbeinghalfsiren—well,thatmakesmedeadly.

“Itfeelswhat?”Iask.“Nothing,”he saysquickly.He’s retreated intohismind, searching through

memoriesordreams.Wakingisusuallydisorientingformyvictims.Whileit’samusingtowatchhimfumblingwithhisthoughts,Ineedtogetthis

key back on Riden before he notices it’s gone. “Did you sleep well?” I ask.“Good dreams?” I knowhe dreamed aboutme, but that doesn’tmean I knowwhatIwasdoinginhisdream.

Ofcourse,Idon’texpectRidentobehonest.He looks dazed for a moment more. Then he seems to compose himself.

“Yes.Whathappenedyesterday?Ican’t…”Ilookathimsternly.“Wereyoudrinking?”He sits up, puts his bare feet on the floor. “I don’t drink that often.Never

enoughtogetdrunk.EspeciallynotwhenI’mwatchingyou.”“Butyoudon’trememberournighttogether?”I’mthinkingfasthere.Ineed

togetridofthiskey.Ihavetofindanexcusetogetclosetohim.“Ournighttogether?”Ridenlooksbeyondconfused.I move to sit on his lap, making myself comfortable as I wrap my arms

aroundhisneck.Ridenfreezesinplace.“Youreallydon’t remember?”Iwhisperseductively intohisear.Myhands

areathisshoulders.Imoveonedownhischest.He’ssolidasarock,buthisskinissmoothandwarm.WhenIreachhiswaist,Idropthekeyintothepocketofhisbreeches.

It’sreallyjustthieving,onlybackward.Ridenexhalesandputshishandsonmyhips.“Whydon’tyouremindme?”IslidemyhandsdownhisarmsuntilIcanentwineourfingers.“Therewas

someofthis.”“Mmmhmm.”“Andthis.”Ipressmylipstohisandkisshimgently.Hereturnsinkind.“Thenwhat happened?” hewhisperswhen I break away and tracemy lips

alongtheedgeofhisear.“Then—”Ipauseandleanfartherintohim.“Youpromisedtohelpmegetoff

theship.”He leansme back as if to layme on the bed. Then he dropsme. I hit the

sheetswithasoftplump.“I think Iwould remember that,”he says, shovingmy legsonto thebedas

well.“Don’t worry,” I say. “I’m sure everything will come back to you soon

enough.”“Inthemeantime,Draxenwillbeexpectingme.”Hewalksovertothecloset

and rummages through the clothes I’ve left in heaps on the floor, grunting indispleasureashesearches.

Oncehefindswhathe’slookingfor—apairofbreeches—hestartsslidingoffthepairhehason,watchingmyreactionashedoesso.

“Stopthat,”Isay,turningaroundquickly.Helaughssoftly.Ishouldhavekeptcalm,andIshouldn’thaveturnedaround.IfIhadsimply

shrugged as though it didn’t bother me at all, Riden wouldn’t have been soamused.Hewould have taken his clothes elsewhere, I’m sure of it. But it allstartedsosuddenlythatIwasunpreparedwitharesponse.There’snothingtodoaboutitnow.

“Whenyou’reconfinedtothisroom,”hesays,“howdoyouexpectmetobeabletochangeintocleanclothes?”

“GogetdressedinDraxen’sroom!”Isnap.“Where’sthefuninthat?”IexhaleangrilyasIwaitforhimtofinish.Ilistentotherustlingofcloth,the

cinchingofabelt, the thudofnewlyadornedbootssmacking the floor—andIwaitforitalltostop.

I’m listening so hard that I don’t even register that the boots are movingtowardmeuntilIfeelahandatmylowerback.

His lips are atmy ear. “It’s safe to look now,Alosa.”He brushes his lipsacrossthesideofmyheadbeforeleaving.

Idon’trealizehowtenseIamuntilmywholebodyrelaxes.

***

IsupposeIshouldbeboredoutofmymindduringthenextfewdays,butI’mnot.Ridencomesintohisroomoftentocheckonme.Wetalkuntilhetriestomorphtheconversationintoaninterrogation.Hewantstoknowthings,likethelayoutofmyfather’skeep,howoftensupplyshipsdelivershipments,howmanymenguardthekeep,andsoonandsoforth.Itellhimnoneofthesethings.IwilldiebeforeIgivethatinformationup.Well,actuallythey’ddie,sinceIwouldn’tallowthemtokillme.

I’venoticedthatRiden’sbeenkeepingmeatadistance.Still,hecan’thelpitwhenIbaithimduringtheconversation.It’sfunwatchinghimstruggle,tryingtofindabalancewithme.ToyingwithRideniscertainlymoreentertainingthanscouringtheship.Ibecomealittlemoreanxiouseachnightthatgoesbywithoutthemapturningup.Icheckourheadingfrequently,gauginghowmuchtimeisleftbefore Ihave topresent themap tomy father.WepassLycon’sPeakandstartsailingnortheast.

Itwon’tbelongnow.

***

I wake early, even though I made it to bed late. I’m too worried to sleep

anymore,soIstareattheceiling,thinkingitalloverinmyhead.IgoovereveryspotIchecked,searchingforanythingthatmayhavebeenoverlooked.Mytwoweeks are almost up. The checkpoint could show up on the horizon at anymoment.

“You’reupearly,”Ridensaysfromwhereheliesnexttome.“Couldn’tsleep,”Isay.“Areyouworriedaboutsomething?”“Actually,itwasyoursnoringthatkeptmeawake.”Hesmiles.“Idonotsnore.”“Myearsbegtodiffer.”He rolls onto his back, staring upwardwithme. “Tellmewhat’sworrying

you.”“AsidefromthefactthatI’mbeingheldhostagebyenemypirates?”“Yes,”hesayssimply,“asidefromthat.”Well, I can’t verywell tell him that eitherDraxen or his father hid amap

somewhere and I can’t find it. Instead, I ask him, “What’s the most recklessthingyou’veeverdonetotrytoimpressyourfather?”

He’squiet.“Doesitpainyoutotalkabouthim?”Iask.Heshakeshishead.“No,that’snotit.ItrynottothinkabouthimbecauseI

hatedhimsomuch.”“Iunderstand.”Iwaittoseeifhe’llstillanswermyquestion.Hesighs.“It’sdifficulttosay.Ididmanyrecklessthings.”“Tellmeoneofthem.”“Allright,”hesayspensively.“Once,whenweweresailingfaroutatsea,we

pillagedashipbeforeburningitdown.Myfatherdroppedachestofjewelsintotheoceanwhiletryingtohaulitovertotheship.Idoveinafterit.”

“Ithinkperhapsweshouldgooverthemeaningofreckless.”“Therewereacuraeelsinthewater,finishingoffthesailorsthatsurvivedthe

initialattackontheirship.”

Iturnmyheadinhisdirection.“Nowthatwasreckless.”Acuraeelsaremorefearedthansharks.They’refasterandmoresensitive tohumanblood.Insomecases, they’re even bigger and toothier. Most of the time, they stay near theocean floor, but if they sense a disturbance at the surface, they’ll come toinvestigate.

“Wereyouabletogetthechestbackforhim?”Iask.“No.Aneelheadedforme.Draxensawitandloweredmearope.Hehoisted

meoutofthewaterjustintime.”“Whatdidyourfatherdo?”“Hetriedtotossmebackovertoget thechest,butDraxenwasabletotalk

himoutofit.”“Sounds to me that if you hadn’t killed him, someone else would have

eventually.Hesoundsawful.”“He was.” Riden turns to look at me. “I’m guessing that question wasn’t

random.Areyoudoingsomethingrecklesstoimpressyourownfather?”“Idorecklessthingsforthefunofit.”“Ihavenotroublebelievingthat.”“Doyoufeellikeyouknewyourfatherwell?”Heshrugs.“Wellenough.Why?”Ihavetobecareful.Ineedtomaketheconversationseemharmless.Heneeds

tothinkit’sallaboutme.“Myfathertrustsmemorethanhedoesanyoneelseintheworld,yetIcan’thelpbutfeellikehekeepssecretsfromme.”

“Everybodyhas their secrets.Wewould all feel too exposed ifweweren’tabletokeepthingstoourselves.”

“Whatare—”No,Ican’taskRidenabouthisownsecrets.Ineedtokeeptheconversation focused. “But this feels different. Couldn’t you tell when yourfatherwaskeepingthingsfromyou?Bigthings?”

“Yes,usually.”“Myfatherhadahidingplaceonhisship,aloosefloorboardinhisrooms.He

would keep important things there. When I felt like he wasn’t telling me

everything,Icouldusuallyfindhisplansandsecretsthere.”I’mmakingthisallupquickly.IhopeRidencan’ttell.

In truth, my father has a room he alone enters at the keep. His privategetaway. I’ve been temptedmany times to sneak in. I evenmade an attemptonce.WhenFatherfoundmeoutsidefiddlingwiththelock,hesaidifIwassointerestedinhislockeddoors,he’dputmebehindone.

Andhedid.Inacelldeepdown.Foramonth.“Butthenoneday,”Icontinue,“thespacebelowthefloorboardwasempty.

Andnothinghasbeenkeptthereeversince.”“Hefoundyouout.”“OrsuspectedwhatIwasuptoanddidn’twanttotakeanychances.”Thoughheseemsnatural,relaxed—Ridenhastobeholdingontomyevery

word.There’snochanceheisn’thopingI’lltellhimsomeofmyfather’ssecrets.Butthat’snotthepurposeofthisconversation.I’mtryingtolearnLordJeskor’ssecrets.

“Whataboutyourfather?”Iask.“Didhehaveaplacewherehekeptsecrets?Didyoueverlearnsomethingyouweren’tsupposedto?”Doyouknowwherehehidhissectionofthemap?

“Honestly, I was never curious enough to care. When we were younger,Draxenwouldcoaxmeintohelpinghimfindsecretpanelsbelowdecks.Itneverturnedouttobeprofitable,though.”

Icanrelate.I’vealreadybeenthroughallofthosepanels.Ican’tdenyIenjoytalkingwithRiden,butIwasreallyhopingforsomething

usefultocomeoutoftheconversation.Somethingthatwouldmakemerealizeexactlywherethemapis.

Ishouldhaveknownbetter.“Besides, if there was anything so important to my father, he probably

wouldn’thaveletitoutofhissight.Helikelywouldhavekeptitonhimatalltimes.AndDraxenandIwereneverfoolishenoughtotrystealingsomethingoffhim.”

Oh.

Chapter13

RIDEN LEAVES TO FIND me some breakfast.Meanwhile, I ponder onmy ownstupidity.

Ofcourseyouwouldkeepsomethingsovaluableonyourpersonatalltimes.AfterJeskordied,hissonswouldhavesearchedhisbody.Theywouldhave

found themap.Draxen isoneof thegreediestmen I’veevermet. Ifhedidn’talreadyknowwhatthemapwas,hewouldhavedoneeverythinghecouldtofindout.Andoncehedid—

Draxen’s despicable and abusive and manipulative. He’s the last thing I’deverwanttotouchonthisship.

Perhapsthat’swhyIneverthoughttocheckifhecarriesthemaponhim.Ofcoursehewould.Whereelsewouldyoukeepsomethingyoudon’twantanyoneelsetofind?I’llbetthat’stherealreasonwhyRidenandDraxenrebelledagainsttheirfather, triedtotaketheship,andendedupslaughteringtheoriginalcrew.Howcoulditbeoveranythinglessthanthemapthat leadstothetreasureofathousandages?

Tothink,Imight’vebeensoclosetoitsoverymanytimes.But it could be anywhere on him.Any pocket on his coat, shirt, breeches.

Eventuckedintohisunderthings.Oh,Itrulyhopeit’snotthere.Unfortunatelyforme,there’sonlyonewaytofindout.I’venochoicebuttoseducethecaptain.I hate doing that. But how else am I to get him alone? I could wait until

tonightwhenhe’sasleep,butIdon’twanttowastewhatlittleisleftofmysongtokeephimasleep.DraxenmaybeadeepersleeperthanRiden,buthowcouldanyonestayasleepwhilesomeoneisstrippingthemofalltheirclothing?

No,Ineedtoactnow.AssoonasRidenreturns.I cannot risk getting to the checkpoint without already having the map to

presenttomyfather.TimetousemoreofwhatMothergaveme.

***

Ridencomesbackwithbreakfast:more eggs. I eatquickly, then I tell him, “Iwanttogooutsidetoday.”

“Why?”heaskssuspiciously.“BecauseI’vebeencoopedupinherelikesomechild’spet,andIwantout.”“Ifyou’reoutonthedeck,thecaptainwillexpectyoutowork.”“Fine.”Riden fumbles with the empty dish in his hand but catches it before it

connectswiththeground.“Whatdidyousay?”“Isaidfine.Istheresomethingwrongwithyourears?”“Iwasundertheimpressionyoudidn’tdoanythingthatinvolvedgettingyour

clothesdirty.”“I learnedasa littlegirl thatpiratingmeansbeing filthy from time to time.

Youjusthavetoberichenoughtoaffordregularbathingandseveralchangesofclothes.Speakingofwhich,Iwantanewoutfit.”

“Butyou’regoingtogetdirty.”“Iknowthat,butI’vealreadybeeninthisonefortoomanydays.”Enwen’s

been bringing me new clothes since I was moved to Riden’s room. It’s verythoughtfulofhim,butIdon’thavethetimetowaitaroundforhimtodecidetobringmemore.IneedtobecleanandfreshwhenIseduceDraxen.

“Allright,I’llgograbyousomething,”Ridensays.“No,Iwantyoutobringallmythings.”

He snorts. “Not a chance. Who knows what else you’re hiding in there?You’llgetoneoutfitandoneoutfitalone.”

Enwendidn’tgrantthatrequest,either,butitwasworthatry.“Fine,”Isay,“bringmethegreenone.”“Thegreenone?”“Yes, you’ll know it when you see it. And I want a fresh blouse and

leggings.”“Anythingelse?Someundergarments,perhaps?”“Iwouldn’tdreamofgivingyouthesatisfaction.”Helaughs.“Youcan’texactlystopme,now,canyou?”He leavesmuch too quickly for me to believe he’s simply doing a lady a

favor.Tooeager,hewas.Perhapshedidn’twanttolistentomyarguments.Orit’sthethrillofgoingthroughmyunderthings.

“What is this?”Ridendemands some time later.Hedoesn’t evenbother toshutthedoorbehindhimwhenreentering.

“Myclothing,”Irespond.“Honestly,Riden,haveyouforgottenthenamesof—”

“No,”hesays,cuttingoffmyratherwittyremark.“Thisisnotclothing.Thiswouldn’tcoverachild.”

“Itstretches,youdolt.”“Stretches!”heexclaims.“No.Youwillnotwearthis.”Hetossesmeinstead

awadofpurplefabricthathe’dbeenholdinginhisotherhand.It’sacorset,butthisoneisanoverbustinsteadofanunderbust.It’scompletewithahoodandshortattachablesleeves.

“Whateverdidmygreentopdotooffendyou?”Iask.“You’renotdaft,Alosa.Doyouthinkasinglememberofthecrewwouldbe

abletofocusontheirdutiesifyouworethat?”That isexactlywhy Ichose it. Ineed togetDraxen’sattention.He’snever

lookedatmeasanythingmorethananinconvenience.Todaythathastochange,andIhavetodoitwithoutwastingwhat’sleftofmysong.

He’sthecaptain,andI’mhisprisoner.ButIneedhimtolookatmeasmorethanthat.Heneedstobeunabletoseemeasanythingotherthanawoman.Inthatgreenassortment,it’simpossibletomistakethefact.

“That’shardlymyproblem,”Isay.“Iwantthegreenone.”“Well,youcan’thaveit.I’mtossingitovertheedgeoftherailing.”“Comenow,Riden.That’shardlyfair.”“You’reaprisoner.Nothing’ssupposedtobefairforyou.”Fine,Iwillhavetomakedowiththepurplecorset,butIcan’thelpbuttease

Riden a bit first. “Are you sure there’s not something more at work here,Riden?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”“Ithinkyou’reactinglikeajealoushusband.”“Awhat?”“Youknow,menthatwomenshacklethemselvesonto.”“Yes,Iknowwhatahusbandis.”Heclencheshisfistsandglaresatme.He’s

awfullyhandsomewhenhe’sangry.“Thereisnothingtobejealousof.”“Soyou’resaying that if Iwere towear that top, itwould innowayaffect

youpersonally?”“Notatall.”“Thenthere’snoproblemwithmewearingit,isthere?Giveittome.”Heclencheshisteeth.“No.”I suppose Iwill have to relymore on body language, but I think it can be

done.Withsomemen,Icancatchtheirattentioninapotatosack.Draxenseemssmart.SmartenoughtorealizeifI’mtryingtoohard.Thiswill

havetobedoneverycarefully.“Fine.LeavesoIcanchange.OrwillyoubeunabletohandleknowingI’llbe

nakedinyourroom?”I’mbaiting him, andhe knows it. I’m impressed hemanages another glare

beforeslammingthedoor.Withexpertfingers,Ilaceonthetopandattachthesleeves.Theycurveout

into points abovemy shoulders. I put on the hood aswell. If I end up doinganythingtooembarrassing,itmightbenicetohavesomethingtohidemyfacebehind.

Ridendidindeedbringmeunderthings.I trynottothinkaboutthefactthathetouchedthemwhileIslipontherestofmycleanclothes.It’samazingwhatanewoutfitcandoformyspirits.

I emerge from Riden’s room a new woman—free of snark, attitude, andmorals.EverythingIassumeDraxenisattractedto.

Timetoplay.I’ve spent so much time around pirates that I’ve adopted my own sort of

swagger,butthatisnotmynaturalinclinationwhenIwalk.Sirensarecreaturesofgraceandbeauty.They’remoredrivenbyinstinctthanlearningandhabits.Itapintothatsideofme,thatplacethatIusuallyhide.

IsupposeIdon’treallyneedthegreentop.Inthisform,Icansenseexactlywhatmenwant.AndIcanbethatforthemin

order to get what I want. They can’t hide their emotions fromme. Each oneswirlsaroundtheminahazeofcolor.

Each step on the deck is soft and graceful.Mymovements are fragile andangelic.Myfaceisdevoidoftheintelligencelurkinginmymindorthethievingforcethatdrivesme.Icanfeeleachfragmentofthewindasitslidesalongmyskin.Icanfeelthesaltintheair.Icanfeeleachstrandofhaironmyhead,sensethemovementsofthosearoundme.

Sirensarecreatureswhosesoleexistencedependsonenchantingmen.Icanswitchovertothatnatureeffortlessly,butIloatheit.Idon’tfeellikemyself.

Iliveonthecuspoftwoworlds,tryingdesperatelytofitintoone.HeadsturnasIexitRiden’squarters.Ipretendnottonotice.“Wherewould

youlikeme?”IaskRiden.Myvoicehassoftened,takingonanalmostmusicaltone.But I’mnotenchantinganyonewithmyvoice. I can’t controlmore thanthreeatatime.Itwouldn’tdomeanygoodonashipwithsomanymen,evenifIhadenoughsonginme.Probablyshouldn’thaveputsomuchintoRidenthe

othernight,butIcouldn’tresistonceI’dstarted.Riden’smouthdropsopenafterIspeak.Helooksatmeasthoughhe’snever

seenmebefore.Inaway,Isupposehehasn’t.Myappearancehasn’tchangedatall,only thewayIholdmyself.ThewayIact,speak,move.I’ve takenonmysiren nature, and while I look the same, the men can still tell something isdifferent,anditpiquestheirinterest.

“What’s going on? Why has everyone stopped—” Draxen now looks myway. For a moment he is caught like everyone else. I lock eyes with him.Showing my interest in the subtlest of ways. He shakes his head as thoughcatchinghimselfoutof some sort ofdaze. “Getback toworkor therewill belashingsforeveryone.Riden,whatisshedoingonmydeck?”

Riden,too,shakeshimselfoutofthemomentarystupor.“She’soptedtoworkon the deck rather than rot inmy quarters. I think she’s getting a bit restless,Captain.”

Draxeneyesmecarefully.Igivehimagentlesmilethatmakeshimswallowbeforespeaking.“Didthechainsmakeyouchangeyourmind,then,princess?”

“Yes,Captain.”Nosarcasm.Justsincerity.Andinnocence.Submissiveness.Itrynot to cringe as theword entersmymind.Horridword, that one.But it iswhat I must be if this is to work. For my father, I’m willing to becomeeverythingthatIhate.

RidenandDraxenbothpauseasthoughthey’rewaitingformetosaymore.Ah,they’rewaitingforthesmartcommentthatissuretofollow.Letthemwait.SirenAlosaisthepromiseofaman’sfantasy.RightnowI’mtunedintoDraxen,tryingtobecomehis.

Riden turns toDraxen as though hewill have some sort of answer formybehavior.IfIweren’tsointunewithmyrole,Iwouldlaugh.

Draxen is seeing me anew. He sees my weakness as his strength. I amsomethingtobedominated.Somethingtobecontrolled.Draxenlikescorruptinginnocence.I’mhardlyinnocent.I’vekilledfartoomanymentoeverbethoughtofasthat,butit’sallaboutperception.

Alightredofinteresthangsoverthecaptain’sshoulders.It’sbattlingwiththeorangeofindifference.Good.

And Riden—I turn toward him, reading his desires. He is not nearly ascaptivatedbythisform.Ridenlikesachallenge.Helikesgames.I’mnotnearlyas compelling for him like this. Interesting. Might make the deception moredifficult,though.Currently,he’ssurroundedbyblue.Blueisconfusion.

I’ve spent years trying to understand themeanings of the colors I see. I’vehad to ask pirates what they’re feelingwhen I’m like this, so I can associatewords with what I see. It’s difficult, because people are less inclined to talkwhenthey’redeepinemotion.ButI’vemanagedtofillinthegaps.

Iwaitsilently.Theembodimentofpatienceandtolerance.Riden looksas thoughhe’sabout to fallover:He’scraninghisnecksofar,

tryingtomakesenseofwhat’sinfrontofhim.Draxen’sthecaptain,though.Hehastosetanexamplefortheothers,hasto

forcehimself tocometohissensesmorequickly.Themanhasareputation tomake, being the new and young captain that he is. Draxen is definitely thehardestmarkontheship.

Werewealone,he’dprobablybeonmewithinfiveminutes.It’samazingthethingspeoplewilldoinsecret,whenotherscan’tseetheiractions.That’llbethetrick:gettinghimalone.Andespeciallyawayfromever-perceptivelittlebrother,Riden.

“Forstars’sake,someonehandheramop,”Draxensays.Therearefivemenalreadyat thedeck,swabbingitwithmops.Thenearest

pirateeagerlyjumpsforwardandhandsoverhis.“Thank you,” I say as I delicately touch the wooden handle with my

fingertips.Everyseamanfindshimselfswabbingthedeckatsomepoint.Thetaskisone

thatmust be done frequently to keep salt and excesswater from building up.Neverdidcareforitmyself,butIcan’tletthatshownow.

Istartmytask,movingthemopinsmoothmovements.Ibendoverfartherat

particularly tricky spots. Everything I do has a purpose. I’m aware of eachmovement ImakeandDraxen’s reaction to it.When fancystrikes,amangetsthisnotioninhismindthateverythingawomandoesisforhim.Rightnowthisis trueforDraxen.Thoughhe tries tohide it, Iknowhewatchesme.Hecan’tmakesenseofthechange,buthedoesn’tthinkmethatintelligenttobeginwith.Andnowhisdesireisgrowing,burningredderandredder.

“Whatareyoudoing?”I’mpulledfromDraxen’semotionsasRidenspeaks.“Swabbingthedeck.”“No,notthat.You’rebeingdifferent.”“Differenthow?Couldyoumoveoverplease?Ineedtogetthatspot.”“See,now,thatisexactlyhowyou’rebeingdifferent.Sincewhendoyousay

‘please’?Andwhyareyoumovinglikethat?Youlookridiculous.”“You’refreetothinkasyoulike,”Isaydelicately,likeit’sacompliment.“Stop,”hesays,draggingouttheword.“Youdon’twishmetomopanymore?”“I’mtalkingaboutyourbehavior.Cutitout.It’s…it’s…wrong.”“I’mnotsureIunderstandwhatyoumean.”“You’reattractingthewrongkindofattentiononthisship,lass.It’sgoingto

getyouintotrouble.”“Andwhatwouldbetherightkindofattention?Yours,perhaps?”Ican’thelp

butegghimonwhenhe’slikethis.Besides,IcanstillsenseDraxenfrombehindme. I take a quick peek and see that a little green isweaving into his colors.Good.Draxendoesn’tlikemetalkingtoRiden.

“Ididn’tmean—”Ridenbegins.“Didn’t you, though?” I home in on him now. Focusing on his wants and

needs. Icansee into thedeepestdesiresofhisheart.“Youlongforhappiness,Riden, but you don’t have the courage to go find it. You are strong andcourageousinmanyways,butwhenitcomestotakingcareofyourself,you’reweak.”

“Alosa,”Ridensays,loweringhisvoice.Hisexpressionhasturnedtooneof

earnestness,andIcanfeelthathemeanswhateverhe’sabouttosay.“I’msorryfor what happened between us before—if that upset you. You don’t need toretaliatebydoingthis.”

“Youthinkthisisallforyourbenefit,Riden?Howwrongfullyconceitedyouare.It’sexhaustingtofightallthetime.I’mdonewithit.”

“Alosa,please.Can’tyouseewhatyou’re—”“Riden!”It’sDraxencallingout.Riden exhales slowly. Perhaps he can read his brotherwithout any special

abilities.“Aye,Captain?”“Bringthegirluphere.”Riden doesn’t answer. He’s looking at me. I’m still focused on him. His

colorsaresplit.He’stornbetweentheloyaltyhehastowardhisbrotherandwhathe feels for me. Two entirely different swirls of red—the hardest color todecipher.Withmostpirates, Icansafelyassumeit’s lust.But it’snot therightshadeforwhatRidenfeelstowardhisbrother.Orme.

Frustrationisprobablywhatitis.“Riden!”thecaptaincallsagain.“Coming, Drax.” To me, he says, “Here we go. Leave those behind.” He

pointstothemopandbucket.Ioblige.Ridenholdsoutanarm,indicatingthathewantsmetogofirst.At

leasthe’snotgoingtoperformthatdreadfulupper-armgraspingbitthatheissofondof.

Aswepassthroughthethrongofworkingmen,IspotEnwen,whoisshakinghisheadandsmiling.He’simpressed.JustasIadmiredhisthievingabilities,heisadmiringmyownskills.ThoughIcannotreadhismind,Icaneasilytellthathe sees right through me. He may not know exactly what I’m doing, but heknowsafellowactorwhenheseesone.

It’s a quick walk along the starboard side of the ship and up thecompanionway.Westopattheaftercastle,nearthehelm.

“That’llbeall,Riden.”

“Areyousure,Captain?”“Yes.”“Butshemight—”“I’mquitecapableofhandlingmyself.”“Ofcourse.”Ridendescends the stairsagain.He takespositionat theother

endoftheship,ontheforecastle,wherehecansurveyallthemenandkeeptheminline.Inotethathealsohasaclearviewofusuphere.EvenfromthisdistanceIcanreadhiscolors.He’sblackwitha littlegreen.Black is fear.WhyshouldRidenbeafraid?

“Youarerelieved,Kearan,”Draxensays.“Gofillyourselfwithdrink.”“Don’tneedtotellmetwice.Justkeepherduenortheast,Captain.”Draxen takes the helmwhile Kearan leaves, giving me a bored nod as he

swaggersonby.Thatleavesusaloneontheupperdeck.Ofcoursewe’reinviewofmostofthepirates.Butthey’renotabletohearanythingthatmightbesaid.AndIcantellthatDraxenwishestotalk.Peculiar,that.

“Haveyoudirectedashipbefore?”heasks.“No,”Ilie.It’stheanswerhewantstohear.He’safoolforbelievingit.I’m

thepirateking’sdaughter.OfcourseI'vedirectedaship.ButDraxenisn’texactlythinkingathisbestrightnow.Hegrabsmyhandandleadsmeinfrontofhim.Igrasptworandomknobson

thehelm.“No,” he says. “Put one hand here.”Hemovesmy hand forme. “And the

otherhere.There,doesn’tthatfeelbetter?”Hisvoiceisascommandingandfirmasever.Heenjoystellingotherswhattodo.It’sagoodtraitinacaptain.

Ican’thelpbutglanceoverattheotherendoftheship.Ridenhasn’tmovedfromhisspot,andIcan’tseehisfacetotellifit’schanged.ButIcansensewhathefeels.

AndhedoesnotlikeDraxentouchingme.Thatmakestwoofus.“Keepthebowoftheshipheadingnortheast.Thesunisclosetosetting,so

seethatitremainsbehindyouonyourleft.Onceitsets,weusethestarstoguideus.”

Ittakessomeeffortnottorollmyeyes.“Really?”Itisaninnocentquestion.Notsarcastic.

“Yes,weshouldallworshipthestars.Theyareasusefulastheyarebeautiful.Someneverchangeposition.Theyareconstants in the sky.Without them,wewouldbelost.”

“Fascinating.”He continues to prattle on. He prefers that I stay silent. I can feel it. This

change in his attitude is not really a change. It is more of a performance.Everyonechangeswhentheywantsomething.Andrightnow,Draxenwantsme.Howcanhenot? I’mgivinghimexactlywhathewants.Hecan’thelpbutbepullednearerandnearer.Thatdarker,piratenatureismomentarilycastaside.HeistryingtoenchantmeinthewayI’menchantinghim.It’sausualresponse.Butitneverworks,ofcourse.

Iamalwaystheoneincontrol.

Chapter14

IT’SFINALLYNIGHTTIME.Icansoonbedonewiththischarade.Unfortunately,beingabletoseethestarsonlypromptsDraxentotalkmore.“Youseethisconstellationhere?”Hepointsnorth.“Andthisonehere?”He

pointstowardthesouth.“Yes.”“Theyweren’talwaysstars.”“Whatwerethey?”It’sincrediblysappyofhimtousethisstory.“They were lovers. Filirrion”—he points to the one in the south—“and

Emphitria.”Heindicatestheoneinthenorth.“Theirs issaidtobethegreatestlovestoryevertold.Sadly,itdoesnotendwell.”

“Whathappened?”Iask,hopinghe’llmoveitalongmorequickly.“There was another in love with Emphitria: Xiomen—a sorcerer of the

blackest arts. He loved her dearly, but Emphitria had eyes only for Filirrion.Enragedbyhisjealousy,Xiomencursedthemboth.Hechangedtheirformsandplacedthembothinthesky,onoppositeendsoftheworldsotheycouldneverbetogether.”

“Howtragic,”Isay.Draxen nods. “While all the other stars in the sky move, there are three

constellationsthatneverchange.FilirrionandEmphitriaaretwoofthem.”“Whoisthethird?”Draxenpointsupwardagain.“Xiomen.Itwasn’tenoughtoseparatethem.So

he cursed himself aswell. There he remains, equidistant from the two lovers,blocking theirviewofeachother.Seehowhe’spointed towardEmphitriaandshetowardhim?”

“Yes.”“Emphitria tries to seeherFilirrion, but nomatter howhard she looks, she

canneverseepastXiomen’sform.”IfthisstoryeverpersuadedawomantoclimbintobedwithDraxen,I’dslice

myarmoff.Asoftsilencefollowshisstory.Everyonceinawhile,Ileadusoffcourse,

forcingDraxentograbmyhandsandredirectme.Hedoesn’tthinkI’mtryingtosteerusaway.Heonlythinksmeincompetent.I’mgivinghimencouragementtotouchme,towantmore.TotakemeintohisquarterssoIcansearchhimforthemap.

Thenightsailorcomesuptop.“ShallItakeover,Captain?”“Yes,IthinkI’llretirenow.”“Verygood,then.”“Come over here, girl,” Draxen demands. I follow him over to the door

leading tohisquarters. “Shallwecontinueourdiscussionof theconstellationsforawhilemore?”

“Oh yes.” As if we could still see the constellations while in his room.Blunderingidiot.Idon’tknowhowmuchlongerIcanstandthis.

Draxenlightsafewcandlesoncewe’realoneinhisquarters.“Tellmemoreaboutthetwolovers,”Isay.“I’veabetteridea,”hesays.Hereitcomes.Hejustwantedmealonesohiscrewwouldn’tseehim.Orsee

me struggle. Though I don’t see how he can concealwhatwe’re doingwheneverymanstillondecksawmeenterhisroom.

“Andwhatmightthatbe?”Iask.“Lieonthebed.”“Whatfor?”

Helovesmyquestions.Hewantstoanswerthem.Hewantstoshowme.He’stoocaughtupinthemomenttorealizethisisallaploy.Heshouldknowbetter.ButwhenIfocusononeman,theynevercantell.They’retoocaughtupin,well,me.

“I’mgoingtoshowyousomethingmoremagicalthanthestars.”Ohyuck.Yuck.Yuck.Yuck. I can’t do this. I can’t stand to hear him talk

anymore.Heneedstoshuthismouth.Istepforward,getrightintohisface.“HowaboutifIshowyou?”WhenIlift

myheaduptohis,hegreedilymeetsmeforakiss.He’snot abadkisser—though IdoubtDraxenhashadasmuchpracticeas

Riden.But I get no enjoyment out of this.Because I’mnot bored and looking for

fun.I’mtryingtogetsomethingdone.AndIknowexactlythekindoffoulmanDraxen is. It’s impossible to ignorewhen I’mso focusedon thedesiresofhisheartandmind.

I remove his coat and toss it to the floorwith the intent to search it soon.Draxentakesitforaninvitation.Hegoesrightformybreeches,fumblingwiththeclasp.

Ugh.That’senoughofthat.I shoveDraxen down onto the bed and climb on top of him. From there I

makeitlookasthoughI’mhurryingtoundothebeltonhispants.Icanfeelthelustburninginhim.It’sdisgustingandwretched,andIwanttostampitout.

WhenIgethisbeltbuckleundone,Islideoffhissword,sheathandall.Iusetheendtoknockhimout,squareonthehead.“Oof,”hesaysbeforelyingdown,motionless.I’mnotsurewhat’sworse:whatIjustdidorwhatIstillhavetodo.Don’tlookathim,Itellmyself.Focusontheclothes.Notwhatliesbeneath.Iundresshim.Every lastarticleofclothing.I leavehimlyingnakedonthe

bedwhileIsearchthrougheverypocket,checkforhiddenlinings,afakesoleinhisboots.

Butit’s…Nothere.Mystomachsinks.Howcanitnotbehere?Iwassosure.Iwasdesperately

countingonit.NowwhatamItodooncehewakes?He’llknowIconkedhim.He’llknowIusedhimforsomething.Andhewillnotbehappy.

Andthenwe’llsoonreachmyfather.Andhe’ll—No,Ihave tostop that lineof thinkingatonce. It’lldomenogood. Imust

keepmymindfirmlyinthepresent.HowcanIfixthis?SingingDraxenintoforgetfulnessisn’tanoption.Ihaven’tenoughsongleft

toerasehismemories.Fiddlingwithmemoriestakesmorethanputtingmentosleep.

I’vemade a finemess of things. SeduceDraxen?That has to bemyworstideayet.

Ihavetocovermymouthtokeepfromgruntingoutinfrustration.Suddenly,there’sbangingatthedoor.“Draxen!”It’sRiden.“OpenupnoworI’mcomingin.”Ihearthehandleunlatching,soIracetothedoor.Asitopens,Iclimboutand

shutitbehindmebeforeRidencanseeinside.“Whatisgoingon?”heasks.“Yourbrotherwastellingmeabouttheconstellations,”Isay.Riden’seyeswiden.ThismustbeausualplayforDraxen.“Hedidn’t…”“Didn’twhat?”Iask.“Youdidn’tlethim…”Hecan’tgetitout.“Riden,wewerehardlyintherefortwominutes.”Heshakeshishead. “Ofcourse.Butwhat’shedoingnow, then?”Hiseyes

widen.“Tellmeyoudidn’tkillhim!”WhileI’mflatteredheknowsI’measilycapableofkillingDraxen,Istillroll

myeyes.“Ididn’tkillhim.”“Thenwhyisn’theyellingandswearing?”Fairpoint,that.I’llhavetothrowinabitofhonestyifI’mtogetoutofthis

one.“Hewasgettingtoohandsy,soIknockedhimout.”Riden relaxes a bit. I find it humorous that he isn’t offended or worried I

knockedouthisbrother.Heeyesthedoor.He absolutely cannot go in there. I can’t explain whyDraxen’s naked if I

didn’tbedhim,and,well,Idon’twantRidenthinkingIbeddedhim.“Whatisgoingon,Alosa?Whydidyougointhereinthefirstplace?”Weneedtogetawayfromhere.Rightnow.Idon’tknowhowmuchtimeI

havebeforeDraxenwakes.“Can we talk somewhere else?” I ask. “Back in your room, maybe? I’ll

answerallyourquestions.It’scoldouthere.”Hestilleyesmesuspiciously,buthefinallyconsents,weavingthewayback

towardhis room.There’s extra force inhis strides.Riden leapsonto themaindeck,notbotheringwiththestairs.Thenightwatchmenturntheirheadstoseethecauseoftheracket.WhenRidenwrenchesopenthedoortohisroom,Ican’thelpbutsmile.He’sinamood.

But my amusement vanishes almost instantly. I have a big problem. It’stakingeverythingIhavenottopanic.MaybeIshouldgobackandkillDraxen.Whenhewakesup,everythingwillgotohellanyway.AndDraxendeservestodie.

I’mjustnotsureIcoulddothattoRiden.ForreasonsIcan’texplain,heloveshisbrother.Ithinkhewouldbedevastatedathisdeath.Maybeevenbroken.

ButwhatotherchoicedoIhave?Whereelsecould themappossiblybe?Ifit’snotontheshipandDraxendoesn’tcarryitonhisperson—

I’mstaringatRiden’sbackwhenithits.WhatifRidenhasit?After I searched Draxen’s room on the first night of my capture, my next

thoughtwasthathemight’vegiventhemaptoRidentohide.ButwhatifRidenhidesitonhisperson?HowcouldIbesoslow?I’vehadampleopportunitiestocheckRidenforit.OnthenightIsanghimtosleep,notevenahurricanecouldhavewokenhim.

NowIsupposeI’llhavetoknockhimoutlikeIdidDraxen.Ican’treallydoanymoreharmnow,canI?I’vealreadysabotagedthemission.Orperhapsnot.MaybewhenDraxenwakes,he’lldonomorethanputmebackinmycell.ButIdoubtit.

When we’re alone, Riden stands expectantly, arms crossed. As soon as IknockedDraxenout,Ireleasedthesirenpartofme.Ittakesitstollonmymindafterawhile.It’shardtoexplain,butIlosemyselfinothersifI’mfocusedontheir feelings and desires for too long. They start to become my own, and IforgetwhoIam.It’sterrifying.Fatherwouldpushme,helpmeunderstandhowlongIcanendurebeingconsumedinothersbeforeIstarttobecomelikethem.I’veneverallowedmyselftopassmybreakingpointsincethen.

Ifthatweren’tenough,Ihavetodealwiththeshort-termsideeffectsaswell,thefeelingsofotherworldliness.Ihatethedesiresandemotionsthatareascleartome as paint on a canvas. They’re notmine, and I don’t like feeling them,sensing them. Besides, I don’t need to read Riden. I just have to be carefulbecausehe’salreadysuspiciousandconfused.IfI’mtogetthedroponhim,I’llfirstneedtogethimtorelax,totalk.I’llneedtogivehimliesmixedwithtruths.

“I’mworried,Riden,”Istart.“Myfather—hemayseemasifhecaresforme,asifhe’seagertohavemebackinexchangeforaransom,buthe’llbefuriouswithme.”

“Why?”heasks.“Forgettingcaughtinthefirstplace.He’llthinkmecarelessandstupid.And

he’llrageaboutthemoneyhelostasaresult.I—Idon’tknowwhathe’lldotomeoncehegetsmeback.”

Ridenglancesdownatmylegs,nodoubtrememberingthescarsheoncesawthere.“Icanbelievethat,butwhatwaswithallofthat?”Hejerkshisthumbinthedirectionofthedeck.Hisfacehardens.

“IwastryingtogetDraxen’sattention.Ineededtospeakwithhimaboutit.Ithought maybe we could work something out. Find a way for him to get hismoneyandformetobesetfree.”

“And?”“Draxenwasn’tinterestedintalking.”Ridenwincesatthat.Heputshishanduptohisface,scratchesthebackofhis

head.“I’llspeaktohim.”Idon’thavetofakemyconfusion.“Aboutwhat?”“I’m sure there’s awaywe can get ourmoney and then let youwalk free.

You’ll have to divulge all the information you’ve been holding back, but youdon’thavetoreturntoyourfather.”

Ilaugh,ashort,doubtfulsound.“WhereelsewouldIgo?”“Anywhere.”“He’llfindmenomatterwhereIgo.”“Thendon’tleave.Stay.”Riden’smouthwidensathisownexclamation.“Stay?WhyeverwouldIdothat?”“Idon’tknowwhyIsaidthat.Forgetit.”He looks very uncomfortable, possibly ready to bolt. I need to act quickly.

HowamItogetaclearshottohishead?AndwhatamIsupposedtoknockhimoutwith?Riden’sremovedallweaponsfromtheroom.Andhe’sdefinitelystillsuspiciousaftereverythingthathappenedwithDraxen.

This doesn’t leave me with many options. It’s hard to think clearly wheneverything’sfallingapart.Fornow,Ineedtokeephimtalking.Somethingwillcometomeeventually.

“Yousaiditbecauseyouwerethinkingit,”Isay.“No,Iwasn’t.”“Really?Yourmouthcameupwithitallonitsown?”“It’sverytalented.”“Yes,I’mwellaware.”Icouldslapmyselfforsayingthat,butIneedtokeep

himtalking.Ineedtothink.Hesmiles,knowingly.“Weprobablyshouldtalkaboutthat.”“Aboutwhat?”Iask,tooinnocentlytobebelievable.“Youknowwhat.”

It’s been a couple of weeks. Why should he want to talk about it now?Actually,he’sapirate—whyshouldhewanttotalkaboutitatall?

“Whatexactlydoyouhavetosay?”Iask,curiousasever.Ridensaysnothing. Icanseehimsearchingfor thewords,butnothingwill

cometohim.“Hereisallthatneedstobesaid,”Isay.“I’maprisoneronthisship.I’malso

the only woman on the ship. You got a little lonely, and I got a little crazy.That’sit.Itwasstupid,butit’sover,solet’smoveon.”

ShouldIramhimintothewall?He’llbeknockedunconsciouslikeDraxen,but ifheseesmedo that,he’llbevery suspiciouswhenhewakes.Howmanywomen have the strength to do something like that? Riden already knowssomethingisoffaboutme.Whatifheguesses?

Paranoiamustbesettingin.Ineedmoresleep.“Idon’tthinkso.”“What?”Iask,comingbacktotheconversation.RidenknowsIheardhim,sohedoesn’tbotherrepeatinghimself.Hashegottensousedtoarguingwithmethatit’sallhecando?EvenwhenI

speakthetruth?Whyishesoadamantlypressingthematter?I decide to cheat. Right now my curiosity is more powerful than my

revulsion,andIhaveplentyoftimebeforeIlosemyself.IhomeinonRiden.Onhismindandhisheart.Icanfeelhisfrustration.Both

with himself and with me. I just don’t know why. I can sense feelings anddesires.ButIcan’treadminds,helpfulasthatwouldbe.Ineverknowthewhysbehindpeople’sintentions.

AllIknowisRidenwantstokissmeagain.Rightnowitishisgreatestdesire,andhecan’thideitfromme.Ifeelitasthoughitweremyownemotion.Andthough I’m sure it’s merely because he hasn’t had some alone time with awomaninawhile,thisismostdefinitelysomethingIcanusetomyadvantage.

Forget knocking him out. I need Riden’s greatest desire to become sleep.Oncehe’sasleep,Icankeephimthatwaywithmysong.There’senoughinme

forthat.Butthere’sonlyonewaytochangewhathewantsmost.Ihavetogivehim

thefirstone,sohewillbesatisfiedandthinkofsomethingelse.Iswallow.Forsomereason,thethoughtexcitesme.Mustbethethrillofthe

game.Sohowtostart?“Youdon’tthinkso?”Iask.“Whatdoyouthinkhappened,then?”Adeep,stormygraysurroundshim.Hefeelsguilty.That’llbethebetrayalto

hisbrother,nodoubt.Hewantstobeassuagedfromthatguilt.Hewantstogetwhathewantswithouttheconsequencesthat’llcomewithit.

Typicalpirate.Noresponsibility.Justselfishdesire.“Ithink,”Ridenfinallysays,“thereismoreherethaneitherofusiswillingto

admit.”“Moreofwhat?”Hisfrustrationflares,asdoesthedesire.Interestinghowthey’retiedtogether.

ButIcan’tholdontothisanymore.Timetoletthesirengoagain.“Whatdidyoudo?”heasks.Iquirkaneyebrow.“Whatdoyoumean?”“You…you justchanged.You lookedoff foramoment,but I thought I’d

imaginedit.Nowyoulookyourselfagain.”NobodyhaseverbeenabletotellwhenI’musingmyabilitiesbefore.Riden

couldn’thaveactuallynoticedthedifference,couldhe?“Well,Riden,ifthisconversationhasbeenanyindication,youareclearlynot

atyourbest.Perhapsyoushouldgetsomerest.”“Sleepisthelastthingonmymind.”Iknowthat.Ineedtogethimontothebed.“Youneedtorelax.Here.Come,

sit.”Isitonthebedandpataspotnexttome.He looks conflicted, pained.Maybe I shouldn’t have put the siren away so

soon.ButIwillnotbereducedtopullingheroutagaintonight.I’dhavetobe

trulydesperateindeed.“Don’tworry.I’mnotgoingtohurtyou,”Isay.Hescoffs.“Asifyoucould.”Ipointtohisside,whereIcuthimwhenwewereontheisland.“Iallowedyoutodothat.”“Right.Becauseyou’resoboldandbrave.Come,sit.Evenconflictedpirates

needabreak.”Hefinallyyields.Buthewon’tlookatme,andhe’sensuringthere’sagood

foot between us on the bed. Interesting, since I already know what he reallywants.Hemustbetryingtostayawayfromtemptation.Ifso,heshouldn’thaverelentedthebed.That’salltheinvitationIneed.

“Iimaginebeingthefirstmateisstressfulforyou,”Isay.“Why’sthat?”“Because you’re not the captain. I couldn’t stand being the first mate. I

alwayshavetohavemyway.”Helaughs.“Ilikethefreedomitgivesme,”Icontinue.“Youseemlikeyouwantmore

freedom.”“AmIsoeasytoread?”Ididn’thave tousemypowers to learn that.Riden iseasier forme to read

thanothers.“At times.There’smoregoingon inhere thanyousay.” I tapmyfingeroncetohishead.

Hefinallyturnstowardmeatthecontact.“Howdoyouknowsomuch?Howareyou…you?”

“IammebecauseIchoosetobeme.IamwhatIwant.Somepeoplesayyouhavetofindyourself.NotI.Ibelievewecreateourselvestobewhatwewant.Anyaspectofourselvesthatwedonotlikecanbealteredifwemakeaneffort.”

Thatmighthavebeenabitmuch,butRideneats itup.Hiseyesburn.Theyreallyareabeautifulbrown.

Ireachoutandgrasphishandwithmine.

“Whatareyoudoing?”heasks.“Nothing.Iwantedtotouchyou,soIdid.”“Simpleasthat?”“Simpleasthat.”“Iwanttokissyouagain.”“Sothenwhydon’tyou?”“BecauseIcan’thelpyou.AllIcandoistakebutgivenothinginreturn.”I’mstruckspeechlessbyhishonesty.Maybenotthehonesty,butthesincerity

andselflessnessinwhathesaid.I’veneverheardapiratesaysuchathing.It’swrong.Uncomfortable.AlmostmakesmefeelguiltyforhowI’mplayinghim.

Almost.Islideclosertohim,movemyhanduptohisface,andwhisper,“Butyouare

giving.You’redistractingmefromthe fate thatawaitsme.That’smore thanIcouldhavehopedfor.”

Ileanforwardandpressmylipstohis.Ratherthankissmeback,heputshishandinmyhairandsaysmynamesoftly,withatouchofhopelessness.

Iknowhewantsthis;Ijusthavetomakehimgiveintoit.Iliftupmylegsandslidethemoverhislap,drawinghimnearertomeatthe

sametime.Though I’ddieofembarrassment if anyoneonmycrewknewI said this, I

add,“Please,Riden.Iwantthis.Don’tyouwantthis?”That does the trick. I finally feel movement under my own lips. It’s soft,

unsure.Curious to be coming fromRiden,whohas always seemed so sure ofhimself.Perhapsheneedssomemoreencouragement.

Itracehisupperlipwiththetipofmytongue.Thechangeisinstant.BeforeIknowit,he’sgothishandatthebackofmy

head,theotheronthesideofmythigh.Imovemylipsdowntohisneck,teasinghiminjusttherightplacestogethisheartpumpingevenfaster.

Buthe’sdonewith lettingmehaveall the fun.Withahandatmychin,hebrings my lips back up to his. He takes control of the kiss, setting his own

rhythmandpace. I lethim,givehima senseof control. I havea feelinghe’llneedit,ifI’mtogethimrightwhereIwanthim.

Ridenremoveshiscoat.Obviously,thingsaregettingwarmforhiminhere.Good,onelessthingI’llhavetoremoveformyself.Foramoment,Iallowmyselftogetcaughtupinthekiss.It’sallforagreater

purpose, but I can’t deny how different it is to kissRiden than itwas to kissDraxen.Draxenfeltwrong.Draxenisaselfishlover.Thatmuchwasobvious.

AndRiden—Ridenisnot.Ridenknowswheretostrokemyskintomakemefeelmorealive.Hehasme

practicallypantingunderthepressureofhislips.Igaspwhenhisteethnipattheskinabovemythroat.

Ridenlowersmebackontothebed.Ireachforthebaseofhisshirtandpullitup.Hehelpsmegetitoverhisheadbeforediscardingittothefloor.ButItakecarefulnoteofexactlywhereitlands.Hiddenpocketscanbesewnanywhere.

The planwas to give Riden a little of what hewanted. Tomake him lessfrustrated.Sohe’dwanttosleep.Icanseenowhowthismightnothavebeenthebest plan.Maybe itwasn’t even a real plan, justmywayof justifyingkissinghimagain.

AtleastI’llhavefewerarticlesofclothingtoremoveoncehe’sout.Menareheavy.

ButwhatamItodoaboutwhat’shappeningnow?Riden fingers the string that laces the side of my corset. While he’s not

undoingit,theactionisdrivingmemad.Doesherealizethis?Hecan’tbedoingitoffhandedly.He’sfartoodeviousforthat.

Mystomachburnswithexcitement.Mymindbattlesagainstit.Draxen’sknockedout.Youdon’thavemuchtime.ButRiden’shandsaresosoftandwarm. Idon’twanthim tostop touching

me.Youneedtofindthemapnow.ThinkofwhatFather’lldotoyouifyoufail.

But the thoughtofRiden’s lipsmakesmesalivate. I could stay inhisarmsforever.Alosa, have you forgotten your desire to become the queen of pirates?

There’sanislandfilledwithtreasureoutthere.Getthemapandeverythingwillfallintoplace.

Right.Blastit.This’llbethemostrecklessthingI’vedonesincecomingtothisship.ButI

needtoactbeforeDraxenwakesandbeforeIgetlostinthemoment.There’ssoverylittleleft,butit’llhavetodo.Iletoutasong.Onesinglenote.It’sallIhave.Butluckilyforme,Ridenisalreadysoverymuchintunewithme.Hetopples

overontothebed.Outinaninstant.There’snowaythat’lllastlong.Therewashardlyanythinginit.

Mybreathisstilltravelingfasterthanthewind.Thatwasverystupid.WhileIhadenoughsongtoputRidentosleep,therewasnonelefttomakehimforget.He’llremembermesingingtohim.

Butonce Ihave themap, Icanbeoff this ship,and itwon’tmatter.FatherwilltakepossessionoftheNightFarerandkilleveryoneonboard.Therewillbenoonelefttotell.

Awoodenplankcreaks.Myeyesdarttowardthedoor,butIshakemyheadandquicklylookaway.Theshipisold.Woodcreaks.

Though I’m pressed for time, I have to take a few seconds to breathe.Myheartpoundsatanimpossiblepace.

Eventually, I checkhiscoatandshirt, runningmy fingersover thematerialseveraltimes.Ican’ttellifI’mdisappointedornotwhenIknowforsureit’snotineitherofthem.

Becausethatleaveshisboots,leggings.Andbreeches.It’snotlikeRidenwasn’thopinghe’dgettheseoffanyway.Ihurrywiththerestofit,butunlikewithDraxen,Idon’ttakesomanypains

toavertmyeyes. I’vebeenstuckon thisshipforquiteawhile. It’s the least Ideserve.

Thenoveltywearsoffquicklyoncetheunavoidableconclusionsinksin.Themap’snothere.Wrongagain.Blast, where else could it be? I’ve checked just about everything. Draxen

wouldn’thavehiddenitsomewhereonland.There’stoogreatachanceoflosingitorforgettingwherehe’splacedit.Noonemakesamaptofindamap.

Itrytotakedeepbreaths,butIhavetoturnawayfromRiden’snakedforminordertodothatsuccessfully.

Now then,Fathercanhardly faultme if themapsimply isn’there tobeginwith?

But I knowbetter than that.He’ll blamewhoever he can get his hands on.Which’llbeme,onceIdeliverhimthenews.Whoknowswhatit’llbethistime.Lockedinacellforamonth.Floggeddailyinthestrip.Nomealsforaweek.

It’snotmyfault.Themapisnowhereonthisship.Nowhereonthisship.Onit.Mymindturnsandtosses.Yes,I’vecheckedeverywhereontheship.Butwhataboutontheoutsideoftheship?

Chapter15

HOWMANYREALIZATIONSCANapersonhavebeforeoneactuallyproves toberight?

IclosemyeyesasItrytorememberwhattheNightFarerlookslikefromtheoutside.

Sixtyfeetlong.Madewithacombinationofoakandcedarwood.Threesails.Roundedstern.Butthesearenotwhatinterestme.

Thebowspritextendstwentyfeetinfrontoftheship.Belowit,carvedoutofthesamemixtureofwood,isthefigureofalarger-than-life-sizedwoman.She’sbeautiful, with long flowing hair and big glassy eyes—probably made fromactualglass.Butit’sthedressthatleadsmetobelievethatthegirlissupposedtobeasiren.

She’s wearing a long dress that’s made to look as though it’s ripplingunderwater.Sheappearsweightless, too,bythewayher legsareunattachedtotheboat,hangingabovethewater.Sheisconnectedonlybyherback.

I feelas though theentire future rests inmyhandsas Ihurry fromRiden’sroom.Iscurryabouttheship,findingmyselfalongsturdyrope.Usingabowlineknot,Iattachittotherailingatthebowoftheship.

Effortlessly,Ilowermyselfdownandhangrightinfrontofthesiren’slargeface.Mywrists aremostly healed from hanging in front of the pirates for anentire day. They trouble me little now. Besides, I’m more concerned withfinding this map and doing it quickly. A little pain now will be nothing

comparedtowhatcouldhappenshouldIfail.I move my hands over the wood that makes up her skin, looking for any

hiddenslots,trickbuttons,oranythingelsethatmightbeconcealedinthewood.Ifeelanindentatthetopofherhairline,butthatturnsouttobejustagrooveinthe wood. But my heart raced at the possibility of it. Then it crashes as thatprovestobeuselessaswell.

WasJeskor’slinecareless?Didtheylosetheirmapoverthecenturies?Ridendid say his father grew to be sloppy.Maybe he gambled themap away. Thatwouldmakeitnearlyimpossibletofind.

Icanhearlightfootstepsupondeck,butthatislikelyjustthewatch.Ihadtoslippastthemonmywaydownhere.

How can all this have been for nothing? I’ve been kidnapped, questioned,tortured,andreducedtoplayinghorriblydemeaningrolestogetwhatIwant.

I’m so furious, the rope I cling to starts swaying. My body is tight,occasionallyrockingasIlurchwithfrustration.

Whatwasthat?IswearIcaughtaglintofsomethinginhereye.Leaningforward,Icausethe

ropetoswingagain.Thereitisagain.Herlefteye.Itlooksdarkerthantherightfromthisangle.Icanfeelmybloodpoundingundermyskin.Myheartbeatinginmyhead.I

reachdown tograb a lower endof the rope. Iwrap it aroundmy foot severaltimesandthenholdtheendundermychin.I’llneedbothhandsforthis.

Mydagger isstill inmyboot.Ridenhasnotonceaskedmefor it.Hemusthaveforgottenaboutit.

Iwedgethebladeinbetweentheglassandthewoodandapplypressureatanangle.Theglasspopsoff,andIbarelycatchitbeforeittopplesintothewater.

Fromtheback,Icanclearlyseethatapieceofparchmenthasbeenencasedwithin.HowcanitbeanythingelsethanwhatIseek?

“Finally,”Isaybreathlessly.Icockmyheadsidewaysattheone-eyedsiren.“Sorryaboutthat.ButIneed

totakethis.”Theeyeisaboutthesizeofalargeapple,butIstillmanagetofititintoone

ofmypocketssoIcanclimbtherope.I’msmilingasIhaulmyselfovertheedgeanddropontothedeck.

ButthenIlookup.I’mnotalone.Notevenclose.Itappearsthattheentirecrewisondeck.That’llbeincludingaclothedRiden

andDraxen.Oh,stars.“Well,lookwhoitis,”Draxendrawlsout.It’shardtotellhismood.Onthe

onehand,helookspleasedtohavecaughtme.Ontheother,heisveryunpleasedtoseeme.Idid,afterall,leavehimknockedunconsciousandnakedinhisroom.“Ourlittleprisoner.Orwouldthiefbeabettertermhere?”

“Thief?”Isaywithamixtureofconfusionandanger.“Well, you’re either a thief or awhore, princess.Those are theonlywords

thatwouldexplainthesituationyouleftthetwoofusin.”“I believe the only thing I’ve stolen from the likes of you is your dignity.

Perhapsyourreputation.”Draxenlowershiseyelids.IfIthoughthehatedmewhenIfirstcameontothe

ship, it’s nothing compared to what he thinks of me now. He takes a stepforward.

“Turnoutyourpockets,”Riden says. I turnmyattentionover tohim.He’stryingsoveryhardtokeepamaskoverhisface.Butsomethingkeepspeekingthrough.Disappointment?Anger?Maybeevenatingeofsadness?

AmIthereasonforthat?Draxen draws his sword. “Turn out her pockets? Why don’t we have the

princesstakeoffherclothessowecaninspectherproperly?”Afewmenwhistle.ButI’mnotworried.I’djumpoverboardbeforeIletthat

happen.Ridentriestosolvethingsonhisown.“Handitover,Alosa.”

“WhatamIhandingover?”“Oh,don’tbedaft,lass.Weknowyou’vefoundthemap.”“I justmanaged to dig out a few holes near the bottom of the ship. I’ve a

mindtosetyoualltosinking.”Draxentriestoadvanceonmeagain,butRidenbeatshimtoit.Hewhispers,“Idon’tknowwhyI’mstilltryingtoprotectyou.Butknowmy

brotherisinafoulmoodthatevenImightnotbeabletoassuage.Youmustgiveitovernow.”

“Idon’thave—”Buthemust see thebulge inmyclothing.He reaches it before I’mable to

stophim.No,no,no.Ridenremovestheeyefrommypocket.Hestudiesitcarefully.Icanseethe

precisemomentwhenhe’sconvincedthemapisinside.Henodsinsatisfactionandstepsback,handingtheglasstohisbrother.

ThemapisenoughtocalmDraxendowneversoslightly.“Atlast,”hesays.“Wait,”Isay,realizingsomethinggivenDraxen’sreaction.“Youknewabout

themap.Youjustdidn’tknowwhereitwas?”“Hadn’taclue,”hesayscheerily,rubbingthedetailsintomyface.“Westole

youawaytogetthedroponthepiratekinginordertogetourhandsonhispartof the map. You finding our own map for us turned out to be quiteserendipitous.”

Istareback,openmouthed.“ButhowdidyouknowIwaslookingforit?”“Riden started to suspect longago.Didyou really thinkyouwerebeing so

careful?Yournightlyraidsoftheship.Yourpatheticfakeescapes.Thefearlessway you’ve carried on about the ship.Only awomanwhowanted to be herewouldn’tshowanounceoffearinfrontofenemypirates.”

That’snottrueatall.Theydon’tknowmeorwhatIwouldorwouldn’tdoinanygivensituation.ButDraxen’slowregardofmeisnotwhathurtsthemost.

It’sRidensellingmeout.

Iknowhewasplayingapart.Pretendingtobemyprotectorattimes.Iknowdeepdownthisisalwaystherolehewasmeanttoperform.Butitstillhurts.CanIevencallitabetrayal?HowcanIbebetrayedbysomeonewhowasneveronmysidetobeginwith?

Mymission was to procure the mapwithout anyone noticing. Then I wassupposedtoleadtheshiptothecheckpoint.

I’veutterlyfailedthefirstpart,evenifI’montrackwiththesecond.“Take her tomy room, gents,”Draxen says. “It’s about time someone had

someproperfunwithher.”Ifrownbeforerealizingthisworksoutwellforme.FightingoffDraxenalone

whilethemencalmdownismucheasierthantryingtotakethemonallatonce.I’mhauledforwardbythreemen.Oneateacharmandoneatmylegs.Imake

forced attempts at ripping free from their grasp. I don’t scream, though. Apromiseisapromise,andItoldDraxenhewouldneverhearmescream.

Riden’s there, too. Draxen gives themap back to him for safekeeping.Hetuckstheglassintohispocket.Thenhe’shelpingthemenescortme.I’llbethe’slovingthis.GivinghisbrotherwhathewantsisRiden’sspecialty.Firstthemapandnowme.Draxenisdonepretendinghe’sholdingmeforaransom.There’snoneedtoplaynicenow.

Theythrowme,veryungracefullyandungently,intotheroom.Ridenstandsbythedoor,apparentlywantingafewmomentsalonewithmebeforehisbrotherarrives.

ButIdon’twantthat.“Getout,”Isay.“You’vedoneenough.”Hisexpressionremainscalm, focused.“Doyoustillhave thatknife inyour

boot?”Iexhalealaughofincredulity.“Ofcoursenot.”“Good.Keep it close.But please, only use it if you have to.He’s stillmy

brother.Don’tkillhim.”“Sousedtomyliesnow,areyou?Youcantelltruthfromfiction?Whatare

youdoing,Riden?Whatisyourplay?I’msickoftryingtofigureyouout.Justwhen I think I’ve got it, you do something else to irritate me.Who are youputtingonashowfor?”

“Notime,Alosa.Getfreeandgetoutofhereifyoucan.That’sthebestIcando.Themap formybrother, and freedom foryou.Please.Again I’ll askyou,don’tkillhim.”

“That’s a big gamble you’re taking, Riden. What happens if Draxenoverpowersme?Howwillyoufeelaboutthat?”

“Ohplease.Webothknowyouarehidingmore thanyour intentions togetthe map. You are skilled, Alosa. More skilled than any human girl couldpossiblybe.Noonemancouldgetthebetterofyou.Idon’tknowwhatyouare.Ijustknowyou’vesomehowgottenintomyhead.Andyoumanagedtoenchantthe whole crew the other day. I’m still trying to figure out why you haven’tkilledusallalready.”

The doorwrenches free, andDraxen strides in. “Leave us,” he commands.Swiftlyandforcefullyatthesametime.

Ridenobeys, thensendsonemorepleading look inmydirection.Don’tkillhim.

I’m still stuck on Riden’s words. Human girl. He knows. I know heremembers me singing him to sleep, but was it too much to hope he wouldexplainitawayascoincidental?

But then, why wouldn’t he tell Draxen? Or, well, why wouldn’t hewarnDraxen?Itprobablyshouldn’tmatter.Butitdoes.Idon’tknowhowIfeelaboutRidenknowingmysecret.Oratleastguessingpartofit.

I’mstillpuzzling thisalloutwhenDraxenslamsmeagainst thewall inhisroom.

“I’mgoingtoenjoythis.Ifyouhadgonealongwitheverythinglasttime,youwould’vehaditgood.Butnotnow.NowI’mgoingtomakeyouscream.”

“Actually,Draxen,”Isay,strugglingagainsthisweight,“you’rereallynot.”Helaughsashetriestoforcemetowardhisbed.“I’vethoughtaboutdoing

thisforalongtime.”“Metoo.”Draxen braces my back against the wall. His arms are at my shoulders. I

managetoliftbothlegs,plantthemonhisstomach,andkick,usingthewalltosteadyme.Thatsendshimreelingbackwardseveralfeet.

Ilandpainfullyontheground.MymindquicklytravelsbackintimetowhenDraxenquestionedme in this room.Someofmyblood is still dried onto thisfloor.Draxenhitmeagainandagain,tryingtogetmetogivehimthelocationtomyfather’shideaway.

I’vealwayslivedwiththeeye-for-an-eyementality.Isendmyrightfistintothesideofhisface.Idon’thavetoholdbacknow,

andIdon’t.IputeverythingIhaveintoit.IknowI’vehitsureandsoundwhenIcanfeel theresultingstingingpaininmyknuckles.Afterbeingcoopedupandholdingbackforsolong,thisisbliss.Apainfulbliss.

Draxengruntsfromtheimpact.He’sstillunsureofwhat’shappeningwhenIsendasecondstrikewithmyleftfist.

“Howdoesthatfeel,Draxen?”Ihiss.“Don’tworry—we’renotdoneyet.”He growls as he tries to see me in front of him. He advances, trying to

pummelmewithhisownfists.Butaquickduckandtwostrikeslater,Ilandhimontothefloor.

Heuttersafewexhaustedcurses.I’mstillnotdonewithhim.“Youthreatenedtocutmyhair.Whatmanneroffoulscumdoes that?How

aboutifIcutoffsomethingyouvalue,Draxen?”Hetakesinalargegulpofair.Ofcoursethatthreatwouldmakehimscream

forhelp,butIcan’thavethat.Onequickkicktothefaceandhe’sout.I get my knife out of my boot.What should I take from him?An ear? A

finger?Somethingfromdownlow?Icringeatthatthought.Toogross.PerhapsIshouldstickthisinhisheartand

bedonewithit.

ButRiden’svoicecomescirculatinginmyearsagain.Pleasedon’tkillhim.I’ve never had a brother. I don’t know how I would feel toward him.

EspeciallyifhebehavedlikeDraxen.IthinkI’dstillkillhim.What do I care what Riden thinks? He’s the only one who gets hurt as a

result.Draxenwon’tfeelathing.Thepiratesunderhimcanalwaysfindanewvessel to crew for.Mostof themseemmore loyal toRiden than theydo theircaptainanyway.LordJeskorisn’taroundtoclaimvengeance.ButRidenmight.Isupposehemightevenrallyupthecrewtojoinhim.

I’mnotafraid.Igetonmykneesandfindmyselfstaringatthedagger.It’sthedaggerthatRidenletmekeep.HeknowsIhaveit.He’sknownI’ve

haditforawhile.Buthe’strustedmenottoabuseit.Itwasagiftofprotectionfromhim.HetookeverythingelseIownedawayfromme,butheletmekeepthisonetokenoutofgoodfaith.

Andhetrustedmeenoughnottokillhisbrother?Whatafool.I hover over Draxen’s chest, visualize the knife sinking in, imagine the

resistanceof the skinand innards,hear the soundof theknife slidingbetweentheribs.

ButnomatterhowmanywaysIthinkaboutit,Ican’tseemtomakemyhandadvancedownward.

AsmuchasItrytobeunaffectedbyRiden,forallI’mworth,Ican’tseemtodotheonesimpleactofkillinghiscruelbrother.

I’vekilledhundredsofmen.Whynotthisone?BlastedRiden.Itrytomakemyselffeelbetterbythinkingit’snotworththetimetomakethe

kill.Ofcourse, I’vewastedmore thanaminute,sittinghere, thinkingabout it.Butnevermindthat.

Ineedtogetthatmap.IneedtofindRiden.

Chapter16

ICAUTIOUSLYPEEKMYheadoutsideofDraxen’squarters.Ican’tseeanyonefromwhereIstand,butit’sgettingdark,soit’shardtotell

forsure.Nooneisneededforsteeringbecausewe’renotmovingatthemoment.Draxenisbidinghistime,probablyformulatingsomesortofplanforinfiltratingmyfather’skeepifhehasn’talready.Nomatterwhathehasplanned,hewillnotget far.Myfatherwillhavescoutseverywhere.Theymighthaveevenspottedtheshipalready.

Over the last fewdays,we’vepassedby several small, empty islands.Thisarea is dottedwith them.My father has chosen one of the larger ones as themeetingpoint.Wecan’tbemorethanafewhours’sailfromit.

Ireachthemaindeckandtakeanotherlookaround.There’smovementbytheportside.AfewmorestepsanditturnsouttobeRiden,preparingaboat.

“Didyoukillhim?”isthefirstthingheasksme.“Surprisingly,no.You’rewelcome.”“Thankyou.ThatmeansmoretomethanIcansay.”I shrug. “Is that supposed to be for me?” I ask, pointing to the boat he’s

loweringintothewater.“Yes.I’veorderedthecrewtogobelowdecks.Youshouldhaveenoughtime

togettoyourfather’skeep.TheonlythingmoreIaskisthatyougiveusaheadstartbeforesendingthepiratekingafterus.”

“IfIweretosendmyfatherafteryou,itwouldn’tmatterhowmuchofahead

startyouhad.Theonlyreasonyou’renotalldeadnowisbecausehewasneverlookingforyou.”

Riden looks up from the rope in his hands. “What do youmean?Are yousayingthat—”

“Mycapturewasallaruse.”The lookhegivesme is priceless. “But I thought youdecided tomake the

mostofyourkidnappingbysearchingtheshiponceyou’darrived.”“Afraidnot.Iplannedtogetkidnappedfromthestart.Myfatherorderedit.”Riden’sfaceisopenconfusion.“Whywouldthepiratekingsendouthisonly

heironsuchadangerousmission?”“BecauseI’mtheonlyonehetrustedtobesuccessful.Ihavecertainabilities

thatothersdonot.”Riden releaseshisholdon the rope.Theboatmusthave reached thewater.

“Areyouusingthemnow?IsthatwhyI’mdoingthis?Helpingyou?”“If Iwere,youwould’vegivenme themapalready.Sinceyou’re trying so

hardtoconcealitfromme,youcanrestassuredyoustillhavecontroloveryourmind.”

“Youreyeshavechanged,”hesays,seeminglyrandomly.“What?”“Theywerebluewhenyoufirstgothere.Nowthey’regreen.”He’sawfullyperceptive.MyeyesarebluewhenIhavethestrengthofthesea

withme.Onceit’sallgone,theyshiftbacktogreen.“Myeyesareblue-green,”Isay.“No. They’ve definitely changed.” He leans against the railing, looking

surprisinglyunafraid.“Whatareyou?”“AsifI’dtellyou.”“Areyouasiren?”Icringeattheword.It’ssostrangetohearitcomingfromRiden’slips.“Not

exactly.”“Yourmotherisasiren.Thatstory.Therumorthatyourfatheristheonlyone

tohavebeddedasirenandlived—it’strue.”Is there any point in denying it?My fatherwill be hunting down this ship

shortlyanyway.“Yes.”“Butwhyareyou thewayyouare?Sirensdependonhumanmen for their

survival,but theyproducemoresirens.Whatmakesyoumorehumanthanseacreature?”

“Thatisanexcellentquestion.You’reright:I’mnotfullyasiren,morehalfsiren–halfhuman.Andthereissomethingspecialsurroundingmybirth.I’lltellyouwhatitisifyoutellmewhereyouhidthemap.”

“Temptingasthatis,Ican’ttellyouthat.Whydon’tyougetitoverwithandmakemetellyou?”

“Itdoesn’tworklikethat.”“Thenhowdoesitwork?”“I’lltellyou.Justpleasehandoverthemap,Riden.”“Sorry,Alosa.”“Fine. I’ll get it out of you.But I’ll have you know I loathe doing this.” I

reach down to that unnatural part ofme. Suddenly, I’m uncomfortable inmyownskin.Goosebumps riseonmyarmsand legs.Myhair seems to standonedge.Mentally,it’sexhaustingtobesoawareofeverythingaroundme.

“You’redoingthatthingagain,”hesays.“You’vechanged.”I’veneverhadanyonebeabletodetectthechangeinmebefore.Notevenmy

ownfathercantell,sohowcanRiden?“I’mtappingintothepartofmethatcomesfrommymother.Ihateusingit.

Feelsawfulandunnatural.”“Doesitgiveyoutheabilitytoreadmymind?”“No,Icanonlytellwhatyou’refeeling.”This seems to give him great alarm. His emotions turn from a glowing,

vibrantredtolightgrayalmostinstantly.Gray is an interesting color.When it’s the dark gray of storm clouds, the

emotionistiedtoguilt.Inalighterhue,theemotionisgrief.

A deep sadness has come over Riden. But the change is so immediate, itcausesme to believe he’s thinking about something extremely sad to him onpurposesoIcan’tgetanythingelseoutofhim.

“Areyouthinkingsadthoughtsonpurpose?”Iask.“It’sterrifyingthatyouknowwhatI’mthinking.”“Notthinking.Idon’tknowwhyyou’resad.Onlythatyou’rethinkingabout

somethingthatcausesyougrief.”Now I need to play on his fear.His fear ofme finding themap.Hewon’t

havehiddenitonhisperson.HehadtohaveknownIwouldsearchhimforit.He’llhavehiddenitsomewhereontheship.I’llhavetogaugehisfearifI’mtofindit.

Istartmovingabouttheship,butIkeephimtalkingasIdo.“HowdidyoufigureoutthatI’m…different?”IaskasIwalktothestarboardsideoftheship.I’m near the entrance that leads belowdecks. Themen laugh and talk loudly.They’dhave to be forme to hear it fromuphere. Probably grateful for somedowntime.

“ThattimeIwokeupandcouldn’trememberwhathappenedbeforeIpassedout.AtfirstIassumedyouknockedmeout,butIcouldn’trememberanysortofastruggle.Infact,Iremembersomethingquitetheopposite.”

Ismiletomyself.Yes,thatwasafunnight.Riden’sstilltryingtomasksomethingwithhisdeepsenseofgrief.IfIwere

toguess,I’dsayhe’sthinkingabouthisfather’sdeath.Butthereareflaresofredthatshinethroughashetalkstome.Particularlywhenhementionedthatnight.

“But then there was that day when you changed. It was like you weresomeone completely different. You weren’t putting up a fight. You weren’ttalkinglikeyouusuallydo.Itwas…unnerving.Iswear,youlookeddifferent,too.IfIsquinted,Icouldseeafainthazeoflightaroundyou.”

That, he imagined.There is no physical differencewhen I altermy actionsandwords—whenIcallupthesiren.

“I’veknownaboutmyfather’smapsinceIwasalittleboy,”hecontinues.“I

knowaboutsirens,evenifIdon’tunderstandthemcompletely.Iputmylimitedknowledge togetherwithwhat Iknewofyouandyour father. Itwasn’tahardconnectiontomake.Ihadmysuspicionslongbeforetonight—beforeyousangtome.”

I’monlygettingflickersofheatamidsthissadness.Nofear.Themapcan’tbeoverhere.Istarttowardtheupperdeck.

Ridenfollowsatasafedistance.“Whycan’tyoumakemetellyouwhereitis?Youmademesleep,didn’tyou?”

“Yes, Iputyou tosleep.Twice.But Iexhaustedmy”—Idon’twant tocallthempowers; thatsoundsstrange—“abilities.That’swhyIcouldn’tputyou tosleepdeeplythesecondtime.I’mallout.”

“Andhowdoyougetthemback?”“Thesea.Shegivesmestrength.ThecloserIamtoher,thestrongerIam.”Themap’snotuphere. I stridebackdown thecompanionwayandheadfor

thebowoftheship.“What else can you do? Besides put people to sleep?” Riden steps back,

almostlikehe’safraidtotouchme,whenIpasshimonmywaytotheotherendoftheship.

Icanmakemenseethingsthatarenotthere.Icanputthoughtsintheirheads.Icanmakethempromisesthey’llbelieve.IcangetthemtodoanythingIwant.AllIhavetodoissing.I’mnotsureIshouldtellhimanyofthis,though.EvenifIdobelievemyfatherwillcapturethisshipsoon.

“IfIchooseto,Icanfeelwhatmenwant.Iknowtheireverydesire.AndIusethat togetwhatIwant.It’ssomethingIcanturnoffandonatwill.”Andlosemyselfin,ifIgotoofar.

Ridenfreezesatthat.Wait,no.There’saflashofblack.Offear.IstopwhereI am and look around. I passed the center of the ship, where the mainmastextendsintotheair.

“Isthatwhyyouactthewayyoudo?”heasks.Ithinkhe’stryingtodistractme.

I take a few steps towardRiden, back toward themainmast. “Whatdoyoumean?”

“Thewholetimeyou’vebeenonthisship.Everythingyou’vesaidanddone.Haveyoubeenreadingme?GivingmewhatIwant?IsthatwhyIfeeltheneedtoprotectyou?Ordidyouget inmyhead?Forcemetofeel thingsI’veneverfeltbefore?”

Thatstopsmeshort.“Riden,theonlythingI’veevermadeyoudoissleep.Ihavenotplayedwithyourmindoractedacertainwayto toywithyou. IonlyusedthatonDraxenoncetotrytofindthemap.Whateveritisyouthinkandfeel—itcomesfromyou.Ididn’tdoanything.”

Thelightaroundhimturnsblue.“You’reconfused,”Isay.“Why?”He narrows his eyes. “Because I don’t understand you. And I don’t know

whattobelieve.”“You can choose to believewhat youwish, but I speak the truth. Now, if

you’llexcuseme,Ihaveamaptofind.”Ilookupward.“Thecrow’snest,eh?”Iask.ThatmustbewhereRiden’shiddenit.

Ridencockshisheadatsomethingbehindme.“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”IwassofocusedonRiden’s reaction tomymovingabout theship, Ididn’t

realizesomeonewascomingupbehindme.I’mabouttoturnwhenIfeelasharppainatthebackofmyheadandfallintodarkness.

***

Everything is hazy. I can make out a couple of forms, but mostly I feel therocking—therockingofaboatonthesea.

“She’swaking,”someonesays.“ShehealsfasterthanIthought.Hitheragain.”Blacknessgreetsmeoncemore.

***

Cold.Everythingiscold.Ifeelitatmycheek.Clingingtomyfingers.Seepingin

throughmyclothes.Myeyelidsareheavy,butImanagetoopenthem.They’remetwithbars.Am

Ibackinmycell?No.Beyond the bars is not the interior of a ship, but sand and trees. I hear the

rollingofwavesnotfaroff,thoughIcan’tseetheshore.Iamalone.The trees rustle in thewind. Ishiver through thecold.Creaturesslitherand

crawlontheground,makingtheirwaythroughtheundergrowth.Thesoundsofthenightdonotfrightenme.

No,itisthecagethatfrightensme.Iamwithoutsong.Withoutmylockpicks.Withoutanycompanyatall.

Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,Iamtrulyafraid.

***

Itismorningbeforeanyoneapproachesme.Idonotrecognizetheman.He’stall,thoughnotastallasmyfather.Baldon

topofhishead,abrownbeardonhischin.Fivegoldhoopshangfromhisleftear. His clothes are fine, yet roguish. He has a sword and pistol at his hips.ThoughIcan’timaginehehastousethemoften.Helooksasthoughhe’sbuiltoutofsolidmuscle,butIbetIcouldtakehimwereInotlockedup.

Hepullssomethingoutofhispocket,anorbofsomesort.Ah,it’sthemap.Hetossesitupintheairandcatchesitlazily.Ashowformybenefit.

“Do you know who I am?” he asks. His voice sounds exactly as I wouldexpect—deepanddemanding.

“AmIsupposedtocare?”Iaskindifferently,asthoughI’mnottrapped.I’mproudofmyself formy tone. Itmasks completely the coilingofnerves inmystomach.

“MynameisVordanSerad.”Ihidemy surprise. I havebeenkidnappedby the thirdpirate lord, and this

timemycaptureisnotplanned.Atleastnotbyme.I try for faked confidence. “Do you know who I am?” I ask in return,

matchingVordan’sairofauthority.“YouareAlosaKalligan,daughterofByrronicKalligan,thepirateking.”“Excellent.Thenyoualreadyknowhowfoolishyou’rebeingforkeepingme

likethis.”“Foolish?Notatall.YourfatherthinksthatyoungAllemoscaptainhasyou,

sohewillnotbecomingafterme.Ihaveitongoodauthoritythatyouhavebeendepletedof thepower theseagivesyou, soyoucannot saveyourself. Iwouldsayitisyouwhoarebeingfoolishbynotbeingafraid.”

My stomach sinks through the ground as my mouth dries. “And whoseauthoritywouldthatbe?”

“Mine,”saysavoicefrombehindme.Severalmenbreak through the trees.Ridenisamongthem,butheisnottheonewhospoke.No,Ridenhastwopistolspointed at him. They’re forcing him to walk in my direction. Why isn’t helockeduplikeIam?Runninglowonenormouscages,arewe?

Mymindemptiesas soonas I layeyesonwhospoke, the fourthmanwhoenterstheclearing.

It’sTheris.Heslouchesagainstoneofthetreesandpullsouthiscoin,turningitoverhis

fingers.Ishakemyheadathim.“Betrayingmyfather?Thatwillbethelastmistake

you ever make. Do you know what happened to the last man who fedinformationtohisenemies?Myfathertiedhimupbyhisanklesandsawedhimdownthemiddle.”

Theris is unaffected by my words. “Fortunately for me, I’m not betrayinghim.”

Hedoesn’tneedformetosaysotoknowI’mconfused.“Iwasneveryourfather’sman,”hecontinues.It takesmelongerthanitshouldtointerprethiswords.Butthesymbol—he

knewmy father’smark. He clearly identified himself as serving the Kalliganline.

“My reach is deep.”Vordan explains this time, returning the glass-encasedmap to his pocket. “Kalligan is foolish. He thinks himself untouchable. Hedoesn’trealizethatthoseclosesttohimaresoreadytogivehimup.And,moreimportantly,giveyouup.”

IturnonTheris.“Youweren’tontheshiptohelpme.”“No,”heanswers.“Iwassenttowatchyou.”“Thenwhoismyfather’smanaboardtheNightFarer?”Isaymoretomyself.Theris answers. “Thatwas poorGastol. I’m afraid you slit his throatwhen

Draxentookcontroloveryourship.”Whatwere theodds thatoneof the twomenIkilledwasmyfather’sman?

The guilt hits me, even though I know it’s not entirely my fault. My fathershouldhavehadtheforesighttotellmewhohisinformantwasaboardtheNightFarer before I fakedmycapture.ThenGastolwouldn’t havedied, andTheriswouldn’thavebeenabletofoolme.Fatherdoesn’ttaketheseminordetailsintoconsideration.Whatdoeshecare ifoneofhismendiesbyaccident?There isalwayssomeonetotakehisplace.ButinthisinstancehisfollymightcosthimDraxen’smap.

Andmaybeme.Thenagain,maybeIshouldhaverealizedthatFatherneverwouldhaveasked

his informant tohelpme.HeknowsIdonotneed tobe lookedafter. I shouldhaveknownTheriswasfakingfromthebeginning.Furiouswithmyself,Ireturnbacktotheconversationathand.

“Why did you haveTheriswatchingme?” I askVordan. “What could youpossiblywantwithme?”

“You don’t realize your own value,”Vordan says. “Do you thinkKalligan

keepsyouaroundbecauseyou’rehisdaughter?No,Alosa. It isbecauseof thepowersyoupossess.Heusesyouforhisowngain.Youarenothingmorethanatooltohim.I’veheardallaboutKalligan’spunishments,histraining,histesting.I knowall thehorrible thingshe’sputyou through.And I amhere to liberateyou.”

ForamomentIwonderhowhecouldpossiblyknowsomuchaboutme.ThenIrealizethatifhehassomeonehighupinmyfather’sranksworkingforhim,hewouldknow…well,justabouteverything.

Isay,“Puttingmeinacagewasprobablynotthebestwaytoshowhowmuchyouwanttoliberateme.”

“Apologies.This ismerely a safetyprecaution forme andmymenwhile Iexplainthings.”

“You’veexplained.Nowletmeout.”Vordanshakeshisbaldhead.“Ihavenotfinished.”AndIdon’twanthimto.Iwantoutofthiscage.Now.ButIstaysilentsoI

don’triskangeringhim.Imaynothavemysongtoenchanthim,butIcanreadhim.

AsifIweren’talreadyuncomfortablebeinglockedinacagewithnohopeofescape—nowIhave tocalluponthesiren.Again.There isanasty taste in thebackofmythroat.Goosebumpsriseonmyskin,andithasnothingtodowiththecold.

Hiscolorisred—themostcomplexofall.Itcanmeansoverymanythings:love,lust,hatred,passion.Reallyanyoverwhelminglystrongemotionlooksredtome. Usingmy best guess, I would say Vordan is feeling the bright red ofpassion,butpassionforwhat?

Vordanismosteagertosucceed,Idecide.Hewantssomethingfromme.IfonlyIcanbepatientenoughtohearwhatitis.

“Continue,then,”Imanagetosay.“I’mheretoofferyouaplaceonmycrew.Iwanttogiveyouthefreedomto

doasyouwishafteryouhelpmegettotheIsladeCanta.”

“Iamthecaptainofmyownshipandcrew.IhavethefreedomtosailwhereIwish.Whywould I find your offer even remotely tempting?” I do not ask inanger.Mytoneisonlyobjective.I’mtryingtoreasonwithhim.Toremaincalm.

“Becauseultimatelyyouareunderyour father’s rule.When this isallover,Alosa,whenyouandyourfatherhaveallthreepiecesofthemap,whenyou’vesailedtotheIsladeCantaandclaimedthewealthofages—whatthen?I’ll tellyou.ThenyourfatherwillnotonlystillhavecompletecontrolovertheseasofManeria,hewillalsohaveallthewealthheneedstomaintainthatcontrol.Andyouwillalwayshavetoservehim.Youwillneverbetrulyfreeofhim.”

“ButIwillbeifIjoinyou?”Iaskskeptically.“Yes. Help me obtain what your father wants. Help me reach the Isla de

Canta. Help me to usurp Kalligan’s rule, and I shall free you.When we aresuccessful,youwillbefreetogoasyouplease,doasyouwish,havewhateveryouwant.Ishallnotbotheryouorcallonyouagain.”

VordanSeradisafool.DoeshethinkIcouldevertrusthimtokeephisword?Does he really think Iwould turn so easily onmy father?Does he think it aburden forme to serveKalligan?He’smy father. It is the love of family thatdrivesmyactions. I donot long for freedom, for I alreadyhave it. I havemyownshipandcrewthatareminetodowithasIseefit.NowandagainIassistmyfatherwhenheneedsme.Heis,afterall,theking.AndIshallbecomequeenwhenmyfather’sreignhasended.Vordanexpectsmetogivethatupforhim?Notachance.

I dare not say any of this, though. I’m still sensing Vordan’s feelings anddesires.He’shopeful.Veryhopefulfor…something.

AgreeingistheonlywayI’llgetoutofthiscageandhaveachanceofescape.“You’re right,” I say in anattempt to tellVordanexactlywhathewants to

hear.“Ihavebeentooafraidtobreakfreeofmyfather.Ilongtoberidofhim.IwantnothingtodowiththeIsladeCantaorKalligan,butifyousweartomethatyou will grant me my freedom in exchange for my services, I will help youobtainwhatyouseek.”

Vordanlooksbehindme.Iturn.Therisshakeshishead.“She’slying.”“Iamnot,”Isaythroughgrittedteeth.IwassofocusedonVordan,Ididn’t

botherfeelingforwhatTheriswantedtohear.Ididn’trealizeitwasheandnotVordanwhoIneededtoconvince.

Theris smiles. “She’susing the same trick sheusedonDraxen. Iwitnessedexactly how Alosa can manipulate others by telling them what they want tohear.”

“Imay have usedmy abilities onDraxen, but that doesn’tmean I’musingthemnow,”Isay,thoughIknowit’spointless.IknownowwhatitwasIneededtosay,andit’stoolatetochangemyresponse.

“Youdidn’tputupenoughofafight,Alosa,”Therissays.“Iwatchedyouforamonthon that ship. I listened toyourconversationsand… interactions.”AtthishelookspointedlyatRiden.

Ridenhasnotsaidanythingyet.He’swatchingourcaptorsclosely, though,tryingtounderstandthesituationsowecangetoutofit.AtTheris’slastwords,helooksatme.JusthowmuchdidTherissee?Ithinkwithdisgust.“Iknowexactlyhowstubbornyouare,”Theriscontinues.“AndIknowhow

youfeelaboutyourfather.Youdidnotdefendhimasyouusuallydo.”Iwanttokickhim,buthe’stoofarawayformetoreach,andIcouldn’tfit

mylegthroughthebarsifIwantedto.Anarm,yes,butnotaleg.“Fine,”IsayasItrytothinkofanewplan.“Whatnow?”“In the likely event that you did not prove accommodating,” Vordan says,

“wearepreparedtouseyouinadifferentway.”Idonotlikethesoundofthis.I’veputawaythesiren.Ihavenowaytoeven

preparemyselfforwhatVordanmightbethinkingnow.“Bringthesupplies,”heorderstothetwomenwhostillhavepistolspointed

atRiden.Instantlytheyturnaroundandleavetheclearing.IcanseeRiden’smindturning.EventhoughIcan’tsensewhathe’sthinking,

it’s not hard to guess.He’s trying to decide how tomake themost out of not

beingsoheavilyguarded.Butbeforehecantakeastep,Therishashisgunoutandcockedback.“Don’teventhinkaboutit.”“Whyisheevenhere?”Iask.“Youhaveme.Whywouldyoutakeasecond

prisoner?NowDraxenwillbeoutlookingforhim.”“Intimeallwillberevealed,”Vordansays.He’senjoyinghimselftoomuch,andhe’seagerforwhatistocome.Iguessit

didn’tmatterwhetherIagreedtojoinhimornot.I wonder if I should change myself. Should I become Vordan’s perfect

womansohewillwishtofreeme?It’stheonlyweaponIhaveleft,butwillitdoanygood?AsIglancebackoveratTherisandhiscoin,Irealizeitwon’twork.IfItrysomethingonVordan,Theriswillknow,andhe’llputastoptoit.

I’mhelpless.Noweapon.Nopower.Atthispoint,IcanonlyhopesomeonewillventuretooclosetothecageorthatRidensomehowfreeshimselfandthenme.SinceRidenisn’ttoopleasedwithmeatthemoment,Idoubthe’dwanttohelpevenifhedidfreehimself.

WhenRiden’sguardsreturn,theyarenotempty-handed.Eachholdsabucketfilledwithwater inonehandandsomething that looksa lot likeastick in theother.Ican’ttellwhattheyareatfirst.

“Alosa,”Vordansays,“youareheresoIcanlearnalltheskillsyoupossess.ForifIcan’tuseyoutohelpmereachtheIsladeCanta,thenIwilluseyoutolearnallaboutsirenssoIcanbeadequatelyprotectedonceI’mthere.”

Anice-colddreadfreezesme.I’mtobehisexperiment.

Chapter17

“WHAT?”ISAYBECAUSEIcan’tthinkofanythingelsetosay.“Ican’tverywellexpectyoutobehonestaboutyourabilities,soI’llhaveto

determinethemformyself,”Vordansays.“Together,Alosa,wewillidentifyallthepowerssirenspossess.”

He doesn’t realize how terrifying I find the prospect. How could he knowhowmuchIloathe,andsometimesfear,usingmyabilities?IhatethewayIfeelinsideandout. Ihate theemotional toll they takeonme.And then there’s theway I change when I have to replenish my abilities. Vordan will have medemonstrate everything over and over. The thought causes bile to rise in mythroat.Iswallowitbackdown.

“Iamonlypartiallyasiren,”Isayindesperation.“WhatIcanandcan’tdowillnotapplytothecreaturesyouwillfindattheIsladeCanta.Iamofnousetoyou.”

Vordanpullsatthehaironhischin.“Thatisnottrue.Evenifyouarenotaspowerful as a true siren, your abilitieswill giveme the information I need toprepareforsuchaventure.”

During our quick exchange, Vordan’s men have beenmoving. They placetheirbucketsaboutfivefeetawayfromthecage,faroutofmyreach.Theyputwhatlookslikealong,hollow,tubelikebranchintoeachbucket.

“Tostart,”Vordansays,“youwillsingforme.”“LikehellIwill.”

Vordansmiles.“And that iswhy theyoungfirstmate ishere.Theris, showAlosawhatwillhappeneachtimesherefusesme.”

Theris pulls out his cutlass and rakes it across Riden’s upper arm, cuttingthroughhisshirtandsendingbloodstreamingdownward.

Riden winces, but other than that he shows no sign of pain. Instead, helaughs,applyingpressuretothefreshwound.“You’reallfoolsifyouthinktheprincesscareswhetherIliveordie.”

Therissnorts.“You’rewrong,Riden.Alosalivesbyherownrules.Shehasastrong tendency toward vengeance. She can’t stand to see those who havewronged her walk away unscathed. Draxen kidnapped her, he beat her, hehumiliatedher,hetriedtotakeherbody.Sheloatheshim.Yethe’salive.Doyouknowwhy?”

Ridenlooksatme.Iquicklyturnmygazedownward.“If shedidn’t careaboutyourpain, shewouldhavekilledhim.Slowlyand

agonizingly.The fact that he lives proves there is at least one thing she caresaboutmorethanherownjustice.You.”

That’snottrue.I…IowedRiden.Heletmekeepmydaggerwhenheshouldhavetakenitfromme.Isettlemydebts.Hehelpedmestaysafe,soIdidn’tkillhisbrother.Itwasnomorethanthat.

I’mcertainofit.…Wait—mydagger!Frommyseatedposition,Iwrapmyarmsaroundmyankles,as thoughI’m

tryingtocomfortmyself.Ipatmyboot.Exceptformyfoot,itisempty.“Looking for this?” asksTheris, pulling theweapon fromhis belt,where I

hadn’tnoticeditbefore.I try to appear as though this doesn’t trouble me at all. In reality, I’m

outraged.NotonlydidTheristakeawaymyonlyhopeofescape,butI’mratherattachedtothatdagger.

“Here’showthisisgoingtowork,”Vordansays,pullingmyattentionaway

from Theris. “I will tell you what to do, and you will do it. If there is anyhesitation or deviance from my words, Riden will sustain another injury.Attempt to use your abilities to escape, and we’ll kill him and bring yousomeoneelsetoenchant.Isthatunderstood?”

IsendVordanamurderousglare.“WhenIgetoutofthiscage,thefirstthingI’mgoingtodoiskillyou.”

Without even waiting for a signal from Vordan, Theris stabs Riden in hisforearm.

MyeyeswidenasIholdinagasp.“Isaid,‘Isthatunderstood?’”Though it’s againstmynature—whether that bemyhumanor sirenone—I

swallowmypride.“Yes.”“Good.Niffon,Cromis—thewax.”Vordan’smen hand him andTheris twowads of yellow-orangewax.Then

theyeachpulloutapairforthemselves.Eachmaninsertsthesubstanceintohisears.

Soclever,Vordan.Youthinkyourselfinvincible.Iwillfindawayoutofthis.Ialwaysdo.It’sonlyamatterof time.ButIwishthefearpenetratingthrougheverylimbinmybodyhadthesameconfidence.

I’mnotevenattemptingtohidethefuryonmyfacewhenVordanpointstothebuckets.Hisunderlingseachgraboneofthethinbranchesandstickit intotheirbucket.

“Holdoutyourhands,Alosa,”Vordansaysalittletooloudly.No. Iwon’tdo it. Ican’t. Iwon’tbesubjected to this.Notagain.Mymind

flashesbacktobeinginmyfather’sdungeon.Manacles clamp around my wrists, chaining me to the wall. My ankles,

likewise, are immobilized, clinking as chains prevent me from stepping morethanafootawayfromthestonewall.“Relax,”Fathersaysbeforesplashingabucketofwaterintomyface.Ichokeandsputterasthewaterdripsaroundme.

“Takeitin,Alosa.Now,let’sseehowwecanmakeyouevenmorepowerful.…”

I’m brought back to the present by a loud grunt. Riden has his right handclutchedaroundhisarm.Bloodsqueezesitswayoutofanewcut,pasthistensefingers.

“Holdoutyourhands!”Vordandemands,thistimeshouting.Yourmemoriesarejustmemories,Itellmyself.Fathermadeyoustrong.He

helped you learn everything you can do. If you survived the pirate king’spressure and scrutiny, you can certainly take it from any other pathetic,mindless,slimyeelofaman.

Myself-encouragementpasses throughme in less thana second.SobeforeTheris candamageRiden further, I doasVordan says. Iwon’t lookatRiden.Whatdoesmyobediencemeanforme?WhatdoesitmeantoRiden?

NiffonandCromiskneelsidebysideinfrontoftheirbuckets.Niffonplugstheendofhishollowbranch,liftsitoutofthebucket,andhoistsithighintotheairinfrontofme.

Vordanhasthoughtofeverything,itseems.IfonlyNiffonwouldlowerthebranchanextrafoot,Icouldreachit.Asimple

underestimationontheirpartwouldbeextremelyhelpful tomerightnow.Butno.TherishasseenwhatIcandowithlimitedresources.Hewon’tevenallowmetogetmyhandsonastick.

I’mcaughtwithanticipationanddreadas Iwait forwhatwillhappennext.Niffonremoveshisthumbfromhisendofthebranch.Theoceanwatercaughtinsidenowfallsintomywaitinghands.

I let thewater slip throughmy fingers and fall to theground, but I hope itlooks likeIabsorbedsomeof it. It’smyhope that Icanfakemyway throughthis.Ican’tactuallyreplenishmyabilities.Notlikethis.

ButVordanwillhavenoneofthat.Heshakeshisheadindispleasure.TherisdragshisswordagainstRiden’sskinagain.Thistimenearhiscalf.

“Donotletthewaterbuildupontheground,”Vordansays.“Takeitallin.”

He’s worried I’ll preserve the water until there’s enough for me to dosomethingtrulydangerouswithit.SolongasVordanandhiscronieshavewaxintheirears,itdoesn’tmatterhowmuchwaterIhaveatmydisposal.

ButIdon’tpointthisout.Ihaven’tanytimetowasteifI’mtoavoidcausingRidenanymorepain.SowhenNiffonallowsmorewatertodrop,Icatchitallandabsorbitinstantly.Nothingescapesme,andmyhandsdryimmediately.

The change is instant. The soothing water becomes part of me. It fills theemptiness that I’ve felt for the last couple of weeks, replenishing my song,strengthening my confidence, easing my fear. I want to feel that comforteverywhere at once. Iwant to jump into the ocean and swim for the deepest,blackestspacesothecomfortwillneverleaveme.

Foramoment, all I can thinkabout is theocean. Ihavenocaresexcept toreturntoher.Nothingelsematters.

“Alosa.”It’sRiden’svoicecuttingthroughmylongingthoughts.Itrytoreininthedesiresofthesiren.ThisiswhyIcannotreplenishmysongunlessIcantakethetimetogetmybearings.Forusingtheoceantonourishmeopensmetoa siren’s instinct. And a siren’s instinct is not to care about anything exceptherself,hersisters,andtheocean.

This man is nothing to me.What do I care if they kill him? He does notmatter.Imatter.

“Alosa,”Ridenrepeats.I narrowmy gaze in his direction, attempting to focusmy thoughts.Don’t

become some soulless creature. You are a woman. Think of your crew, yourfriends, your family. Remember the time you stole a ship andmade it yours.Rememberhowitfeelstobeacaptain,tohaveearnedtherespectandgratitudeofyourcrew.Thinkoftheprideinyourfather’seyeswhenyoupleasehim.

Think of Riden. Rememberwhen you had fun fighting him, sword againstsword? Remember the taunts and jabs. Remember the dagger. Remember hiskisses.ThinkofRiden,whodoesn’tdeservetodieallbecauseyoucan’tcontrolyourself!

Thatdoesit.IreturnmygazetoVordan,awaitinginstructions.“Singtohim,Alosa.Impressme.”Vordan no doubt wants to see Riden dance and perform other ridiculous

stunts. Under other circumstances, I think it would be funny to make Ridenhumiliatehimself.Butnotnow.Nottosatisfyamanwhohasputmeinacage.Ridenisnomonkey,andIamnoslave.

I lookatRiden.Hedoesn’t lookafraidexactly, justuneasy.“Goahead,”hefinallysays.SinceRidenfacesmeandthemenhavewaxintheirears,theycan’ttellhe’sspeakingtome.“We’llgetoutofthiseventually.Dowhatyouneedtointhemeantime.”

Vordan watches me carefully, so I don’t risk nodding at Riden. Instead, Ibegin. I start with something simple and undetectable. My lips open ever soslightly as I sing a soothing, slowmelody. The notes do notmatter. It is theintentionbehindthemthatgivesthesongpower.It’swhatmakesRidendowhatIwant.AndwhatIwantrightnowistotakeawayhispain.

Instantly,histensearmandlegrelax,nolongerfeelingthecruelslicesorthedeep gash near his wrist. Then I tear a strip of cloth from the bottom ofmyblouseandthrowitatRiden.

Vordan’smen stand, prepared to intervene should I be attempting tomakeRiden flee or free me. I should be flattered that they think I can managesomethingwithnaughtbutastripofcloth.

But it is forRiden’s arm. Iweave a fewmorenotes into the song,makingRidentieuphisseverestwoundtostanchthebleeding.IwishIcouldhealitforhim, but my abilities are limited. I can only alter the mind, where I’vediscoveredpaintrulycomesfrom.IcaneaseRiden’ssufferingtemporarily,butnothingmore.

I haveonly a fewnotes left, so I try to giveVordanwhat hewants.Ridenstands up straight. His eyes don’t glaze over or anything. He looks perfectlynormal,asthoughhisactionsarehisown.Butthey’renot.Hedoesnothingmoreor less than what I tell him through song. Riden moves through a couple of

combatmoves.Imakehimkickandpunchatinvisiblefoes.Hejumpsthroughthe air, dodging and striking his opponents. Finally, he sheathes an imaginarysword.

I releasehim frommyspelloncemypowersaredrained.Then I siton thefloorofthecage.

Ridenblinks.Helooksaroundinconfusionuntilheseesmeandeverythingcomesbacktohim.Ididnottakeawayhismemoriesofthesong,soheknowsexactly what I made him do. He inhales a quick breath. The pain from hisinjuriescomesbacktohim.IcannotkeepthepainawayonceIstopsinging.Itwasonlyatemporaryrelief,butIgavehimwhatIcould.It’smyfaulthe’shereinthefirstplace.

Well,actuallyit’sTheris’s,butIcan’texpectRidentoseeitthatway.Vordanstepsclosertothecage,peeringatmeintently.“Youreyestrulyare

thewindowtoyoursoul,Alosa,”hesaysloudlyinanattempttocompensateforthewaxinhisears.“Inlessthanaminute,they’veturnedfromgreentobluetogreenagain.Suchahandytooltotellwhenyouhavethepowerofyoursongandwhenyoudonot.”

Damn.Ihopedtheywouldn’tbeabletotellwhenIwasout.They’reobservingme

tooclosely.Iwon’thaveanysecretsleftbytheendofthis.“But back to the task at hand. I think you can do better than that,Alosa,”

Vordansaysinanencouragingvoicethatmakesmeevensickertomystomach.“Tryagain.”Hepointsafingerattheotherpirateinfrontofme.

This timeCromis stoppers his branchwithhis thumbbefore raising it overmyarms,whichhanglimplyoutsidethecage.

This is an act. I want them to think that using my powers weakens memomentarily.Mighthelpmegetthedroponthemlater.

Ipull thewater intomyselfas it falls. I feel it running throughme, rushingintoallmylimbs.Doubtbecomescertainty.Weaknessesbecomestrengths.Fearbecomesresolve.Thesemendon’tknowwhothey’redealingwith.Iampower

and strength. I amdeath anddestruction. I amnot someone tobe trifledwith.Theyarebeneathmynotice.Ishall—

“Alosa.”Riden’s voice cuts throughmy alarming thoughts.Does he noticehow the siren tries to takeme?Or ishemerelyurgingmealongbecausehe’sscaredofwhatTheriswilldoifIdon’timmediatelyobey?

Whateverthecase,I’mgratefulheseemstohavetheabilitytobringmebacktomyself.Andquickly.

“Alosa, you don’t have to do this,” he continues.Again, he’s turned awayfromVordanandhismen,so theycan’tpossibly tell thatRiden isspeaking tome. “It’s all right. Ignore them. Focus on getting yourself out of this.You’regoodatescaping.Sodoit.”

Ismileathimdespitethesituation.“Each time I escaped, it was because I planned ahead. I didn’t plan this

capture.”IhopeVordanwillassumemymovingmouthisthebeginningofmysong.Tokeeptheillusion,Iblurthelastwordintoanoteandstartanewsong.

Tome, themelodysoundsfast-paced,exciting, thrilling. Italwaysseems tomatchmyintention.Forthistime,IrunRidenthroughanimpressivedisplayofflexibilityanddexterity.Imakehimdosomersaultsintheair.Herunsuptreesandflipsoffof thembackward. Imakehimrunfaster thanshouldbepossiblewithhisinjuries.HeperformsstuntsI’msurehecan’tdoonhisown,foraslongasIknowhowtodothem,hewillbeabletoaswell.

WhenIdrainmyselfofnotes,Isinktothebottomofthecageoncemore.Vordantakesthewaxoutofhisears.Hismen,takinghislead,dothesame.“Muchbetter,Alosa.”Vordannowhasapieceofparchmentanda stickof

charcoalinhishands.Itdoesn’tmatterthatthewaxisgonenow;myabilitiesaregone,too.

“Let’s start breaking down the extent of your abilities.” Vordan beginswriting with his charcoal. “If I’m not mistaken, you essentially have threeabilities.Thefirstisyoursong.Youcanenchantmentodoessentiallyanything,so long as it doesn’t defy the laws of nature. For instance, you cannot make

Ridenfly.Howmanymencanyouenchantatatime,Alosa?”Ihesitate.ShouldIlieortellthetruth?Ridengaspsinfrontofme.Therispullsbackabloodysword.“Three!”Ishout.“Forstars’sake,letmethinkamoment,wouldyou?”“There’snothing to think about.Answer, andnoharmwill come toRiden.

Now,youreplenishyoursongwithwaterfromtheocean.Andtheoceanwateronly goes so far. You couldn’t make Riden do very much with the amountCromisgaveyou.I’msurethecomplexityoftheinstructionwilldeterminehowmuchwaterisnecessary.”

Andeachman’smindisdifferent.Thataffects theamount, too,butI’mnotgoingtobothermentioningthat.Riden’smindismuchmoresteadfastandfirmthan I’mused toseeing.Enchantinghim takesmoreoutofme thanmostmenwouldnormally.

After amoment’spause,Vordan looksoverhis notes. “Splendid.Now, thepowerofyour songaffects themind.But towhatextent?Therishas seenyoumakemenforget.WhenyouenchantedpoorRidenherethefirsttime,hedidn’tremembertheexperience.TherishasalsoseenyouputRidentosleep.I’msureyoucould easilymake amankill himself.But couldyougivehimadifferentreality?”

“Yes,”Isayquickly,notwantingtoriskanyhesitation.“Showme.”He puts thewax back in his ears.Hismen follow suit, and a

freshflowofwaterislowereddowntome.IlooktoRidenasItakeitin.Forsomereason,lookingathimallowsmeto

keep a clear head as I feel thewater’s strength flow intome, something I’veneverexperiencedbeforewhenreplenishingmyabilities.

“Ihateplayingthepuppet,”Isay.“Doyouhaveanyideas?”“Ifanyone’sthepuppet,it’sme,”hesaysagitatedly.“You’rethepuppeteer.”Ilookathiminannoyance.“I’mworkingonone,”hesays toanswermyquestion.“Keep takingorders

untilIcangetitallsortedout.”

Idon’tallowmyselftohopeasIstartsinging,closingmyeyesandpicturingwhat I want Riden to see. I imagine a magical world full of new colors andsounds.Butterflieswithbrightlylitwingsflutteraroundme.Shootingstarspeltacross the purple sky overhead in rapid succession. A nearby body of watersends sprays of droplets flying into the air at impossible heights. Birds largerthanwhalessoaroverhead,featuringfeathersinredsandblues.Iputtogetherthefirstrandomelementsthatcometome,addingmoreandmoredetailsuntilI’msatisfied.ThenIopenmyeyes.

Ridenbearsalookofsheerwonderandastonishment.HereachesoutinfrontofhimselfasiftotouchtheinvisiblecreaturesI’veplacedinfrontofhim.

“Beautiful,”hesays.“Alosa,”Vordansays.“ProjectthatimageontoTherisaswell.”IseenowthatTherishashandedhispistol toVordan.Heremoves thewax

from his ears and places it into his pocket. I quickly expand the song toencompasshimalso,relievednowthatTherisisunabletohurtRiden.He,too,issoonamazedbyeverythingaroundhim.Hespins,tryingtoseeeverybitofthemagicalworldI’mshowinghim.

MymindreelsasItrytothinkofsomethingIcoulddonowthatIhaveoneofVordan’smenundermy influence.WithRidenandTheris, the fightwouldbetwo against three.But I haven’t enough song left aftermy projectedworld tomakeRidenandTherisdoanythingsubstantial.Vordanissoverycarefulnottogivemeanyscrapofpoweroverhim.

But Iwonderwhyhe’dbother havingme enchant oneof hismen at all. Ifhe’ssocuriousaboutmyabilities,thenwhynotofferhimselfup?

“Excellent,”Vordansays,scratchinghischarcoalquicklyovertheparchment.“NowreleaseTheris.”

Ido.Therisinstantlylooksallaroundhim,adjustingtoreality,thenreplacesthewaxinhisears.Vordanreturnshispistoltohim.

“Nowshowmesomethingreallyimpressive,”Vordansays.IlookfromTheristoVordan,raisinganeyebrowinconfusion.

“Make Riden see something horrible. Make him feel pain that isn’t reallythere.Showmehowmenareatyourmercy.”

Cromisreleasesanotherrushofwater,andIbarelycatchitintime.Ifeelasthoughicyneedlespuncturemystomach.Hecan’texpectmeto…Istopsingingasthewaterseepsintomyskin.Ridenisreleasedfromthefake

realityI’vegivenhim.Ifeelmyminddriftingawayfromme.Thesemen are all dead.Once I getmy full strength, Iwill reduce them to

shredsofflesh.Iimaginethewaymybodywillchange.ThestrengthIwillhave.I seemyselfpullingall fiveof themdown to theocean’s floor,watching theireyesas the lifedriftsout.Feeling theirbodiessquirmuntil they’recaught intooblivion.…

“Alosa!”It'sas if I'vewokenfromadeepsleep, thoughmyeyeshavebeenopen the

wholetime.I’vedriftedofftomyownalternatereality.Myalternateself.“It’sokay,Alosa.Comebacktome,”Ridensays.Iturnmygazetohim.“Whateveritisthey’vetoldyoutodo,doit.”Hewon’thaveheardtheorder,

notwhenhewascaughtupinanotherworld.“We’llgetthroughthis.Justkeepgoing.”

Ican’t.WhatdoesitmatterifIletthemcutRidenbecauseIhesitate?Eitherway,he’llbehurting.Butthepainwon’tberealifyousingtohim,Itrytotellmyself.He’llhurtfor

amomentandthenitwillbeover.Youcan’t falter,orhewill trulybehurtingfromanotherswordinjury.Justdoitquickly.

“I’msosorry,”Itellhim.Instantly,Ridenscreams.Hewrithesonthegroundinpainasimaginaryhot

pokersdriveintohisskin.Ihatemyself.Ihatemyabilities.Thisisnothowmypowersweremeantto

beused.Iamdespicable,lowly,unforgivable.I end Riden’s suffering as soon as I dare, hoping it was long enough for

Vordan.Irelinquishtheleftoversongintotheair,disposingofitquickly.Idon’twantitanymore.Idon’twantanythingtodowithit.Getitawayfromme.

The sick bastard laughs. “Well done.” Vordan writes some more on hisparchment.IwishIcoulddriverealpokersintohisflesh.

“I’msatisfiedwithyoursingingabilitiesfortoday,”Vordansays,freeinghisears from the wax. “Let’s talk about your second set of abilities. If Therisoverheardyoucorrectly,youcanreadaperson’semotions,butthisabilitydoesnotrequirenourishmentfromthesea.Itissomethingyouinnatelypossess.”

Ridengaspsontheground,tryingtorecoverfromtheimaginarypain.Iwatchhimrubhishandsoverhisskin,convincinghimselfitwasn’treal.

“Alosa,” Vordan snaps, pulling my attention from Riden. Theris stepsforwardandkicksRidenintheface.Bloodtricklesoutofhisnose,stainingthesandred. Inaway, I’mrelieved thatTheriskickedhimsohard.Riden isnowunconsciousandcan’tfeelanypain.

“Yes,”Ianswer.“Icanknowwhatpeoplearefeeling,ifIchooseto.”“Andyoudon’thavetosing?”“No.”“Excellent.”More scratching on the parchment. “Tellmewhat each ofmy

menisfeeling.”I’ve used this one plenty of times today already. I can’t risk using itmuch

more,orI’lllosemyself.ThelastthingIneedistoforgetwhoIamwhenI’minsuchalife-threateningsituation.Theexposuretothesea’spoweralmostclaimedmeseveraltimesalready.AndRiden’snotawaketopullmebackagain.

I’lltrytorushit.Thenshutitoff.Iadmirethecomplexitiesofemotions.They’repaintingsformetosee.Ijust

have tosuffer through theotherworldliness inorder tosee them.As thesicklysensation rushesovermy skin, I lookquickly at eachofVordan’smen. “Thatone is hungry,” I say pointing toNiffon. “That one is bored.”That’sCromis.“He is excited—no, happy about something.”That’sTheris. “And you are…”Vordan’sisabitmorecomplicated.“Content,”Ifinish.

Vordanlookstoeachofhismeninturn,whonod,showingI’mright.“Bored,areyou,Cromis?”Therisasks.“Perhapsweshouldreassignyou to

kitchenduty.”Cromislooksdeterminedlyatme,hismission.“Iamfine,C—Theris.”Theris purses his lips for amoment, but his face returns to normal quickly

thereafter.Interestingfalter,thoughIshouldn’tbesurprisedthatTherisgavemeafalse

name.Frankly,Idon’tcarewhathisrealnameis.HisnamewillceasetomatteronceIamfreeandheisdead.

“Shutup,”Vordanhissesathismen.Hiseyesareonhisparchmentuntilhelooks up atme. “We’ll toy aroundwith that one somemore tomorrow. Let’shurryontoyourthirdandlastability,Alosa.Tellme,whatwouldyoucallthispower?I’vehadahardtimecomingupwithaconcisenameforit.”

Ithinkforamoment.“Ridenmaybe unconscious, but I can still haveTheris hurt him.So speak

up.”I glare at Vordan’s despicable form. “I can become any man’s idea of a

perfectwoman.”“Essentiallyyou’rea seductress.Can’t expect anything less fromawoman,

canwe?”If I hadn’t alreadymarkedhim for death, hewould definitely have a black

markonhimnow.Throughclenchedteeth,Isay,“IcanbecomewhateverIneedtobetogetamantodowhatIwanthimto.”

“You’re a manipulator. I imagine this ability goes well with the emotionreading. Couple those two with your song, and you truly are a formidablecreature—amasteroverallmen.Now,I’massumingthisabilityonlyworksononemanatatime?”

“Depends.Manymenareattractedtothesamethings.Icanonlydiscernoneman’sperfectwomanatatime,butifthosecharacteristicsarelikedbymanyinthevicinity—”

“Thenyoucouldaffectthemall.”“Yes.”“Givemeademonstration.Iwantyoutousethisoneachofmymen.”Ofallmyabilities,thisistheonemyfatherfoundleastuseful.Hedidn’ttest

itoutlikehedidtheothertwo.Ihadtoexperimentwithitonmyown.Ihaven’tyet found any consequences for using it. Aside from feeling like a completestrumpetwhenI’mdone.ButI’mnotaboveusingittogetwhatIwant.ThoughIusually prefer to have some song left to erase the memory from my victimsafterward.

But by the end of today, it seems I will have lostmy sense of safety,mysecrecy,andmydignity.

Chapter18

VORDANHASMECHANGEmyselfforeachofhismen.InturnIplaythepartsofawhore (for Niffon likes a womanwho knows what she’s doing), an innocentcountry girl (Cromis likes corrupting innocence without consequence), and amarriedwoman(becauseTherislikesthedangerandsecrecyofanillicitaffair).

I’mkept in thecage.Thankfully, themenaren’tallowedto touchme,butIwanttopunchmyselfforthefoul,coy,andsuggestivecommentsI’mforcedtoutter. The entire time I’m performing my act, Vordan stands there with hisinfernalpaperandcharcoal,makingnotesasIgo.

IvowtoshredthatparchmentsononecanreadthethingsI’mreducedtosayanddo.

“Youmaystop,”VordansaysafterwhatmusthavebeenfifteenminutesoftalkingtoTheris.“Don’tbotherreadingme.Ihaveseenenough.”

TherislooksquestioninglyatVordan.Imustbegivinghimasimilarlook.Ifthere’s anything that would have made me want to continue using my—asVordansoelegantlyputit—seductivepowers,itwastellingmenottoreadhim.

I can readVordan’sdesires as though they’rewrittenon aboard abovehishead.

“Oh,” I say, “I can see you wouldn’t find me appealing no matter how Iacted.”

Previoustothismoment,Vordanhasregardedmewithnothingmorethanapleasantinterest,butnowhelooksatmeasthoughI’msomevilecreaturehe’s

found sticking to the outside of his ship. He draws his sword and advancestowardme.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Therisasks.“Captain?”Vordan, called to his senses, sheathes his weapon and returns to his

parchment.I’m still stunned.Not becauseVordan only likes the company ofmen, but

becauseI’veneverhadtousemyabilitiesonhissort.Ididn’trealizetherearemenout therewhoare immune to thatparticular talentofmine.AndknowingVordanisoneofthemmakesthecagearoundmeseemmoresolidsomehow.

“That’senoughfortoday,”Vordansays.“Grabtheboyandsupplies.”Niffon and Cromis start to move while Theris looks disapprovingly at his

captain.“Isaidtograbtheboy,Theris!”Vordanrepeats.TherishurriestocomplywhileVordansizesmeuponelasttime.“We’llbe

back tomorrow. Isuggestyouprepareyourself foranother roughdayaheadofyou.”

Atmyscathinglook,headds,“Don’tworry.Wehaveweeksoffunaheadofus,youandI.”

OnceagainIfeelmylastmealclimbingupmythroat,butImanagetokeepitdownasIwatchallthemenretreat,carryingRiden’slimpformawaywiththem.

Weeks?Weeks?Vordandidn’tleavememuchtimetothinkofawayoutofthiswhileheput

methroughtestaftertest,butnowdesperationsinksin.Ihavetofindawayout.Ican’treachanyofthesurroundingtrees.Ontheground,there’snothingbut

tall grass and sand.A rock here or there.Nothing helpful for getting out of acage.

Ihavenothingelseexcepttheclothesonmyback.Useless,allofit.Theycan’tkeepmeinthiscageforever,canthey?Eventuallytheyhavetolet

meout to—towhat?Eat?They’ll feedme through thebars,nodoubt.Relievemyself?Notachance.Vordanhasalreadybeenextracarefulthusfar.He’llnodoubtexpectmetogoinacornerofthecage.

It’sastrangethingrealizingallyouneedistoeatanddrinkandyouwillgoonliving.Youdon’tneedtointeractwithothers.Youdon’tneedtomove,run,walk.You reallydon’tevenneed tosleep. Icanbe trapped foreverandgoonliving.

There were some days, shackled deep beneath my father’s keep, when Ithoughtthatmightbemylife.Iwouldliveasaneternalprisoner.Irefusedtousemypowersbackthen.Ipretendedtheydidn’texist.ItwasonlywhenIwasfacedwithbeingtrappedforeverorusingthemtoescapethatmyfathercouldcoercemeintousingthem.

Inthepresent—thoughI’mstillhesitanttousethem—Iwillusemyabilitiestosurvive,butthey’renotevenanoptionnow.

AndwhatelsedoIhave?Nothingatall.Wait.No.IhaveRiden.Butwhatgoodishe,beinginjuredandisolatedatthemoment?IthinkonthisashardasIcan.Mymindisworkingsotremendously,Idon’t

even realizewhenmy thoughts turn intodreams. I seemyself looking throughthe bars,watching Theris take blood fromRiden as he attacks him again andagain.Firstwithhisfists.Thenwithhissword.Finally,hepullshispistolfromhisbelt,putsitflushagainstRiden’shead,andfires.

***

Theshotringsthroughtheair,shakingmywholebody.Whenmyeyesflyopen,Irealizeit’snotthesoundofagunshotIhear,butsomeonebangingagainstmycagewithasword.

Cromisstepsawayfrommequicklyonceheseesmyeyesopening.“Alosa,”Vordansays,“areyoureadytostartanotherday?”Ridenisalive,thoughbloodiedfromyesterday’sinjuries,lyingbeforemeon

theground.Helooksupatmeandsmiles.Whyisthatidiotsmiling?Thereisnothingtobecheerfulabout.Callitwhatyouwill:confidenceorconceit.ButifIhaven’tthoughtofaway

outofthis,there’snowayhehas.“Couldn’tsleep,Iwassoexcited,”Isay,deadpan.“Gladtohearit,”Vordansays,unfazedbymysarcasm.Thesetupisasitwasyesterday.NiffonandCromishavetheirbucketsback.

Therisleansagainstatreelazily,onehandonapistolpointedatRiden,theotherrotatingacoinaroundhisfingers.Vordanstandsstraightandsure,muscledarmsgraspinghisparchmentandcharcoal.Abulge inhispocket revealshehas themaponhimagain,nodoubtsoIcanbesmackedinthefacewithhisvictory.I’mprovedcorrectwhenhecatchesmestaringatitandsmiles.

Exhaustedandachingfromsleepinginacrampedcage,IlookdownwardasIrubmyeyes.Apieceoffruitandsliceofbreadsitnexttoawoodencupfilledwithwater.Cromismusthavedroppedtheminbeforewakingme.

“Didyougetanythingtoeat?”IaskRiden.Vordananswers forhim.“Theboy is tobekeptweak.You,however,need

yourstrength.Iexpectafulldayoftheatrics,soeatup.”Ipokeatthefoodinfrontofmedistastefully.Whatifhe’sdruggedit?“You have exactly one minute to eat that before I order Theris to shoot

Riden.”“Do take your time,” Theris adds. “It’s been a while since I’ve shot

something.”I sniff the bread. Doesn’t smell funny, but if the alternative to eating it is

watchingRidengetshot,doIhavemuchofachoice?ImakeafaceasIbiteintothe fruit. It’s not quite ripe. I swallow largemouthfuls in an attempt to avoidtastingtoomuch.WhenI’mdone,IrubmytongueagainstthebreadasIchew,tryingtoscrapethetasteoff.

Ridenwatchesmeeat, smilingall thewhile.HehadbetterhaveaplanandnotsimplybeenjoyingthefactthatI’mstuffingmyfaceforhim.Otherwise,I’ll

havetoletTherisshoothim.WhenI’veswallowedthelastmorsel,Iwashthescantymealdownwiththe

water. Since it’s freshwater, it does nothing to restoremy song, but I need todrinkjustasmuchasregularhumansdotosurvive.

VordanandTherisstartdiscussingtheirplansfortoday,momentarilytakingtheirattentionawayfrommeandRiden.

Ridenmakesaflickingmotionwithhishands,catchingmyattention.He’smovinghislips.Iglanceovertothemeninfrontofthebuckets.They’rewatchingRiden,but

theirheadsareinclinedtowardTherisandVordan’sconversation.Theycan’tbepayingmuchattentiontous.

“What?”IaskRiden,barelyawhisper.Herepeatsthemotion.ThistimeIhavenotroublereadingit.Getready.Forwhat?Imouthback.Whatcouldhepossiblydo?Thistimehechancesawhisper.“Rememberourswordfight?”I nod.Hewas a cocky idiot, allowinghimself to get hurt so he couldwin.

Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?Now,hemouths.Itense,thoughIdon’tknowwhatI’mwaitingfor.AndRiden,who isunrestrained,yet injured, leaps forward towardNiffon’s

bucket.Hecupshishandsinthewaterasashotgoesoff.SmokebillowsoutofTheris’spistol.Ridencollapsestotheground,holding

hishandsabovehim,tryingtopreservethewatercuppedsocarefully.ButNiffonfinallyjumpstoaction,slappingRiden’shandstoforcethewater

totheground.HewipesRiden’shandsonhisownpantsbeforetossinghimbacktowardme,awayfromthewater.

“Idiot,” Theris says calmly. He begins reloading his pistol, applying morepowdertotheweaponandlodginginanotherironball.

“Youidiot,”Irepeat,notcaringiftheothershearme.“ThiswholetimeI’vebeenmakingsureyoudon’tgetshot.Shouldn’thavebothered.”

Riden’sgraspinghisleg,justabovehisknee.Hisvoiceisheavy.“I’veneverbeenshotbefore.Itsortofhurts…alot.”

Iknowexactlyhowitfeelstobeshot.Itfeelsasyouwouldexpectitto.Likeironissplittingyourfleshatlightningspeedandwedgingupagainstyourbones.

“Trythatagain,”Therissays,“andyou’llfeelittwiceasstrongly.”“Atleasttheydidn’tkillme,”Ridensays,ignoringTheris.“Exceptnowyoucan’twalk.”Once Theris has his weapon reloaded, he turns back to Vordan as though

therewasnointerruption.NiffonandCromisaremuchmorealert,hardlytakingthetimetoblinkastheywatchRidenandme.

“Thatwasyourbrilliantplan?”Iask.Nooneseemstocarethatwe’retalkingnow. Riden’s injured past the point of usefulness, and I’m locked up.We’rehardlyathreat.

“Yes,”hesays,swallowingamoan.“Butitneedssomerefining.”Before I can ask what he means by that, he’s crawling back toward the

buckets,dragginghisinjuredlegbehindhim.Everyonehaltswhatthey’redoingandstaresathim.“Lookatthat,”Cromissays.“Doesn’tgiveup,”Niffonadds.“Riden, stop!” I finally findmyvoice,buthe seems tohave losthis senses

entirely.Doesn’therealizethey’llkillhim?Attheveryleasthe’sgoingtogetshotagain.

Heignoresme,pullinghimselfonward.He’salmostreachedthebuckets.Ihearthepistolcockback.Theristakesaimandfires.Ridengaspsbeforehisbodycollapses,hisheadfallingrightintothebucket.Niffonhaulshimoutandtosseshimbacktowardme.Riden’seyesareclosed.He’snotbreathing.Isearchallalonghisbody,trying

to find where the shot struck him. Finally, I see another blood-soaked hole.Therisgothiminthesameleg,thistimebelowtheknee.Itlookslikethesecondshotmissedthebone,streakingcleanthroughthemuscleonthesideofhiscalf.

“Boy’sgotadeathwish,”Therissays.“Shouldwekillhim,Captain?”Cromisasks.“Yes,killhim.”Niffon andCromis stand. I fight furiously against thebars,willing them to

bend.Idon’twanttowatchRidendie.Idon’twant—Ridenliftshishead.Itrytotouchhim,buthe’sjustoutofmyarm’sreach.Hesmiles.Cocky,little—Wait.Something’soff.Hisface.Hischeeksaretooround.He

lookslikehemightheave.Butwhenheopenshismouth,itisnotvomitthatcomesspewingout.No,it’s

seawater.Heshootsitoutintomywaitinghand.“No!”Therisshouts,butit’stoolate.Hecan’treachforhiswaxfasterthanI

cansing.I pull Theris, Cromis, and Niffon under immediately.Where is the key? I

demand of them.Theris instantly pulls the large bit of twistedmetal fromhispocket.

Igivehimanillusion.It’scompletelydark.Hecan’tseeathingexceptforthelit match in his hands. He needs to light the candle if he wants to erase thedarkness,ifhewantstofeelsafeandcalm.Iamthecandle,andthekeytomycageisthematch.

IwinceasTherisknocksover thesecondbucketofseawater inhishaste toreachme.HadIpaidcloserattention,Icouldhaveswervedhimaroundit,butrightnowI’mgoingforspeedratherthanaccuracy.Thewatersoaksquicklyintotheground.ItwillbelonggonebythetimeImakeitoutofhere.I’veonlygotwhatRidenmanagedtogettome.I’dbettermakeitcount.

AsTherisapproaches,IsendCromisandNiffontokeepVordanbusy.Icanonly enchant three at a time. Vordan quickly stuffs the wax back in his earsbeforefightingforhislife,oneagainsttwo.

Riden’s breaths are short and quick from where he lies on the ground. IwrenchthekeyfromTherisandsendhimtofightVordanaswellwhileIunlock

thecage.Vordan,decidinghecan’tpossiblybestthreemenatatime,turnsaroundand

runsforit.I demand a pistol fromCromis, who is the nearest with a loaded gun. He

rushesover,pulls theweaponfromhisside,andoffers it tome.As Ihold thepistolout in frontofme, I slowmybreathingand takeaimatVordan’sback.Rightwhere theheart restsunderhis skin. It’sdifficultbecause Inowhave tomaketheballdodgeTherisandNiffon.Getoutoftheway!Iorderthetwoofthem.Assoonastheybothleapaside,I

fire.TheshotringsoutandVordanfalls.Ridencoughs.“Thatwasimpressive,butyouwerewrong.I’mstillthebetter

shot.”Itossthegunasideandturntohim.I’munabletosayawordtohimbecause

Ihavetokeeptheotherthreeoccupiedwithmyvoice,butIstillshakemyheadathisridiculousclaim.

Heasks,“Canwegonow?I’msortofbleedingoverhere.”I shakemy head once again, this timewith determination.Oh no. I’m not

finishedwiththesethreeyet.IquicklyreachVordan’sbody.OnceIdo,Ipluckthepaperdetailingoutmy

abilities from his greedy paws and tear it to shreds. Then I wrestle the mapencasedinglassfromhispocketandplaceitwithinmyown.

Withthatdone,Itaketheswordfromhissideandturntowardtheremainingthree men. I have no qualms about slaughtering them while they’re helpless.Theywerepreparedtodothesamethingtome.

Butthenanotherthoughtstrikesme.WhataboutVordan’smap?Iturnbacktowardhisbodyandsearchhimthoroughly.Thepowerofmyvoiceisrunningout,butthemaphastoberightinfrontof

me.Ican’tstopnow.IfIgavebothmapstomyfatheratthesametime…Icanonlyimaginehowpleasedhe’dbe.

IpulloffVordan’sbreechesandshake themout,praying to thestars thataslipofpaperwillfalloutofthem.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Ridenasksweaklyfromfarbehindme.MyguessisheknowswhatI’mdoingbutisstartledbythemannerinwhich

I’mdoingit.Ihaven’tthetimetosearchVordancarefully,andIdon’tseewhyanyonewouldfeeltheneedto.Ihopewildanimalsfeastonhisrottingflesh.

WhenIdon’tfindthemaponhim,Ikickhislimpbody.Bastardmusthaveitonhisship.That’swhenthelastofmysongleavesme.With Vordan’s sword in my hand, I turn toward the three men who have

regainedtheirwits.“Thisshouldbefun,”Isay.

Chapter19

THREESWORDSSLIDEFROMtheirsheaths.Ipounceontotheclosestman,Niffon.Hedeflects theblowasCromis tries togetbehindme. I jump to the sideso Ihavebothofthemclearlyinmysights.

“Keepherbusy,”Therissays.“I’mgoingfor therestof thecrew.Don’t lethergetaway.”

“Stay,”Itellhim.IthrustatNiffonwhileslidingunderaslashfromCromis.“I’llhaveallthreeofyouface-firstinthesandinnotime.”

Hedoesn’tdelay,rushingoffalongtheshoreinthedirectionVordan’sshipmustbeanchored.

Fine,then.I’lldealwithhimnexttimewemeet.Thetwopiratesinfrontofmearegoodatkeepingmeonmytoes.Theystrike

simultaneously, hoping that one of them will be able to hit their target. ThemovementsIhavetomaketododgethemaredizzying,butIdon’tslowdown.Ilashoutwithmy sword and legs, but successfully strikingoneof themwouldrequire taking a hit from the other if I’m not careful. I have to wait for anopening.

Itcomeswhentheymakethemistakeofsteppingbackfrommeatthesametime.One,toregainhisfootingfrommylaststrike,theother,togetmoreforcebehindatimedblow.IflingmyswordatNiffon,whowaspreparingtostrike.Ihave just enough time to seemyswordcatchhim in theneckbefore I turn toCromis,whoisstilloffbalance.Myclosedfistpummelsintohisstomach.When

hedoublesoverinpain,I takehisownswordfromhimanduseit tohelphimtakehislastbreath.

Whenbothmenliedeadatmyfeet,ItrytogetmysightsonTheris,butheislonggone.Idon’tknowhowmuchtimeIhave,butIdoknowTheriswillbringreinforcements.Iwon’tbeabletofightawholecrewofmen.

Withanangryexhale,IrushbackovertoRiden’sside.“Don’tmindme,”hesaysthroughquickenedbreaths.“I’monlybleedingto

death.”“You’refine,”Itellhim.“Unlesswedon’tgetoffthisislandrightaway.”Ridenisnottooheavyformetoholdup,buthisinjuriesmakethejourneyto

thewaterimpossiblyslow.We’reracingagainstTherisandtherestofVordan’screw.Ican’tmakeoutfootfallsoverthewind,butthatdoesn’tmeanthey’renotthere.

When at lastwe break through the trees and see the shoreline, I hurry ourpace,despiteRiden’sgruntsofpain.We’resoclosenow.

Butofcoursethere’snoboatorothermeansofkeepingusafloatinsight.“We’llhavetoswimforit,”Ridensays.“Wecan’t,”Isay,anxietycreepingintomyvoice.Iusethesleeveonmyfree

arm towipe the sweat frommybrow.All the singingand fightinghave takentheirtoll.“Ican’tbesubmergedinthewater.It’stoomuch.Iwon’tbeabletohelptakingitin.”

“It’souronlyoption.Theriswillbebackanyinstant.”Ihesitatestill.“Ican’tswimbymyself,Alosa,”Ridensays.I lookathim.Forsomereason,hewasenough tokeepmesaneduringmy

interrogationwithVordan.Ihopehe’senoughforthis,too.“Youwon’t need to. I’ll do all thework. I just hope I still remember you

whileIdoit.”Isurveyhiscuts.“Thisisgoingtosting.”Riden and I plunge into thewaves,wading out until thewater reaches our

knees. Riden hisses through his teeth when the salt water reaches his first

gunshotwound.“Takeadeepbreath,”Isay,evenasthewaterstartsfillingme.Ifeelmyself

changing,insideandout.Andwithnomorehesitation,Ipullhimunderwithmeandbegintoswim.Myheartraces.Purejoysurgesthroughmetofeelsofull,tobesurrounded

bythesea.Toahuman,itwouldbefreezingcold.Butnottome.Itissoothingandrevitalizingandrefreshing.IcanfeelstrengthandhealthpouringintomeasIstartswimmingatanimpossiblyfastpace.

AndIcanfeelmybodychange.Myhairlengthens,takesonalifeofitsownasitswirlsandwhipsthroughthe

water.My skin whitens, changing from the tan color the sun gaveme to thecolor of white pearls. My nails lengthen and sharpen ever so slightly. I canbreatheevenwhileunderthewater.Icanmoveeffortlesslythroughit.IcanseeaswellasifIwereonland,nightorday.Ifeelconnectedtothesealifearoundme.Thesnailsontherocksdeepbelowme.Thefishswimmingfartotheright.Theplantsswayinginthelightcurrentbelow.Eventhetinycreaturesthatcan’tbeseenwithmyeyes.Icanstillfeelthem.

I want nothingmore than to swim and simply enjoy the feel of the waterflowingbymeasIpropelmyselfforward.

Butaweightprohibitsmyswim.Ialmostforgot.There’samanwithme.Hiseyesareopen,eventhroughthe

saltywater.He’swatchingmewithclearastonishment.Asheshould.Iampowerandbeauty.Iamsongandwater.Iruletheseaand

allcreatureswithinit.Themanpointsupward.Thenhegesturestohisthroat.Atrailofbloodmixes

inthewater,flowingbehindus.Anearbyacuraeelsmellsit,butthenitsensesmeandfleesintheotherdirection.

Themanshakesme,grippingmyarm.Ireturnmyattentiontohim.Ah,heisdrowning.Heneedsairifheistosurvive.

Iwillrelishwatchinghimsquirmanddrown.It’llbeanenjoyablespectacle

as I continue to swim and become onewith the soothingwaters. Perhaps I’lldancewithhislifelessbodyafterward.

He begins kicking his feet, trying to reach the surface on his own, but hisinjuriesaretoogreatforhimtomanageit,andmygripistoostrongforhimtoevergetaway.

Finally, he stops struggling. Instead he puts his hands on either side ofmyface,strainingtolookintomyeyes.Hepresseshislipstomineoncebeforeheisstill.

Atthatsimplemotion,somethingawakensinsideme.Riden.Thisisthemanwhogothimself shotbyhelpingmeescape fromVordan,andnowI’m lettinghimdrown.

Instantly,Iswimforthesurface.He’snotbreathing,evenabovethewater.Ineedtogethimtoland.Isensearoundmeforinterruptionsinthewater,lookingforsomethinglargethatresiststheflowofthenaturalcurrentsaroundme.Thereisashipnottoofaroff.Riden’sship.Theymustbesearchingforhim.

Fasterthananythingelseinthewater,Iswimfortheship.Likeabirdintheair,Ipassthrougheffortlessly,mountingleagueafterleague.

I’mswimmingtowardmyothercaptorsyetagain,butIcannothandmyselfover to themwithout a plan of escape. Panic sets in. There’s no time. EverysecondthatpassesisasecondthatbringsRidenclosertodeath.Ineedtogettotheshipnow.

Idon’thaltmymovementstowardtheship,butIsubmergemyheadandstartsinging.Frombelow thewatermyvoice is clear.Clear and sharp as abell. Ittravelsfast,reachingtheearsofthoseontheNightFarer.ThepowerofmysongislimitlesswhenIamintheocean.Theseakeepsnourishingme,feedingmesoInevertire.

Reachingout toward the ship, Iprepare themen forwhat is tocome.Theyneedtobereadyforus.Wecannotwasteasecond.Istillcancontrolonlythreemenatatime,soIfirstreachouttoKearan,tellinghimtomovetheshipinourdirection.Then I findEnwenandDraxen. Ibring them to the ship’s edgeand

holdRidenup,soitwillbehimthatDraxenseesfirst.“Lowerarope!”Draxencommandsimmediately.Ashismenhastentoobey,I letoutonemoreverse.ThistimeIreacheven

fartherout.I’mforcedtoswimtotheright,dodgingthelargeknottedropethatsplashes

mewithwaterasitreachesitsend.MybodychangesassoonasI’mhoistedoutofthewater,soquicklythatnoonecantakenotice.Nonecanseemysirenformunlesstheypeerthroughthewater,andIthinkit’ssafetosaythattheyweretoofarawaytonotice.Butthatishardlyaconcernformeatthemoment.

Draxen'smenhaulusupquickly.Theremustbeatleastfiveofthemtuggingon the rope. I have to grip the edge of the railing once I get to the top—it’sdifficultwhileholdingontoRiden’sweightaswell.Otherwisetheywouldhavehauledmeall thewayover,andIprobablywouldhavebrokena fingerormywristasitjammedintotherailing.

DraxengrabsRidenandlayshimdownontheship’sdeck.I’mabouttostepforwardtohelpwhenI’mseizedbywhatfeelsliketwentymen.

“GograbHoldin!”heorders.Someonerunsbelowdecks.“Theship’sdoctorcan’thelphim,”Isnap.I’mmomentarilydistractedbythefilthyfingersatmybody.Theyprobeand

push, straying toplaces they shouldn’t.Placeshardlynecessary for restrainingme.Mymuscleshurtfromthestrain.Mypridehurtsfromthewholescene.

“Whatdidyoudotohim?”Draxendemands.That’sit.Idon’tcareif thewholecrewwitnessesthis.They’reabouttodie

anyway.IslammyabilitiesintoDraxen,orderinghimtomakehismenletmego.

His crew hears me singing; they’re perplexed enough by that. But onceDraxenordersthemtoletmego,they’redumbfounded.

Hehastorepeathimself,moreloudlythistime,beforetheylisten.TheymustdecideI’mnotbehindthechangeiftheystillobeyedDraxen’sorder.Good.

I rush toRiden,siton thecolddeck,andplaceahandoneithersideofhis

head.Ilowermyheadasthoughgoinginforakiss.Ineedtoforceairbackintohis lungs.Plugginghisnosewith the fingersofmyrighthand, Iblowintohismouth,willingtheairtoreachdownintohislungs.

Iwaitamomentandthentryagain.FivetimesIdothis,andnothingchanges.“No,” I say, barely a whisper. I lie on top of his body, placing my head

againsthischest,asilentpleaforittostartmovingupanddown,forhislungstowork,forhisbodytokeepthelifewithin.

Thiscan’tbehappening.Notafterherescuedme.Notafterhelethimselfgetshottohelpme.Hecan’tdienow.

Butthereiswaterinhislungs.Icansenseitbeneathmycheek.AndifIcouldjustgetitout…

IplacemyhandsagainsthischesttomakeitlookasthoughI’musingthemtoforcethewaterfromhislungs,butIknowatthispointthey’reuseless.

Ising,sosoftly thatonlyRidencanhear,wereheawake. I tellhismind tostayalert.Ibegtheorganstoremainsteady.Icannothealhiswounds.Icannotspeeduporchangeanything.Icanonlyreachhismind.Itellhimnottogiveup.Notyet.He’snotallowedtodie.

WhenI’veexpelledsomeofthesongfromme,Ipullatthewaterbeneathme,thewater inRiden’s lungs. Icannot touch it,but Icansense it.AndIdemandthatitcometome.

Itdoesnotmove.But I dig my fingers into Riden’s chest, and pull—both physically and

mentally.Iwillhimbacktolifewitheveryessenceofmyself.And finally, thewater swaysupward. It drifts out of the lungs, throughhis

flesh,sweatsoutofhisskin,andcomesintome.“Nowbreathe!” I say and sing at the same time. I blow air into hismouth

oncemore.Demandthathislungsstartworking.Riden’sheartstillbeats,soifIcanconvincehislungstopumpontheirown,hewillbeallright.Hehastobeallright.

Ridengasps,heavingintheloudestbreathIhaveeverheard.Itremindsmeof

anewbornbabetakingitsfirstbreath.Itisthesoundoflife.Ileanawayfromhimandtakeamomenttobreathemyself.Inseconds,theyareuponme.Draxenmusthaveregainedhissenses.Ablade

is shoved under my throat. Another presses against my stomach, digging inenoughtoscratchtheskin.Ican’tevenmusterupthestrengthtocare.Ridenisalive.That’sallthatmatters.Hiseyesareclosedandhiswoundsstillbleed.Buthewillsurvive.

“Whatwouldyoulikedonewithher,Captain?”oneoftheoffendingpiratesasks.

“Takeherback to thebrig. Iwant fivemendown therewatchingherat alltimes.She’snottobegivenfoodorwater.Anddon’ttalktoher.”

Likeacagedbird,I’mlockedup.Again.I’mreallystartingtohatethis.

Chapter20

THERE ISN’TAWORD forhowcold I feel in thebrig.Nowthat Icanafford tothinkaboutmyself,Iregistertheeffectofwetclothesandthebriskmorningair.Smallgaps in thewoodallow faintbreezes to escape into the ship.They rakeagainstmyskin,sendingmerackingwithshivers.

Myextrachangesofclothesarenolongerinhere.I’venoideawhatRiden’sdonewiththem.Maybetheotherpiratestookthemoncemycellwasunlocked.Fabric canbe sold at a pretty price, andpirates are always looking tomake aprofit.

I sit on the floor, my arms wrapped around my legs. My toes have gonenumb.Iremovemybootsandrubatthemfiercelywithmyhands.

Themenoutsidemycelldonothing.Theyhardlysparemeaglance.Draxenwas obviously responsible for this lot being chosen towatchme. Theywon’trespondtoanyofmycomments.

“IsitDraxen’sintentionformetodieorcanIgetablanket?“Oi,Ugly,I’mtalkingtoyou.”Oneman looks. His face reddens, and then he goes back to staring at the

walls.“How’s it thatDraxenmanaged to find awhole group of deafmen asmy

guards?“Getmeablastedblanket,orI’llhaveyourheads!“Don’tsupposeoneofyouwouldliketotossmeyourshirt?”AtthispointI

wouldtakeanyfoul-smellinggarment,aslongasit’sdry.EventuallyItrytoforcemyselftodry.Irunincircles,wavemyarmsabout—

anythingtogetmybloodpumping.ButeachthingIdosendsmoreairontomyrawskin.IwishIwerebackinthewater.

IremoveasmuchclothingasIdareinthiscompany.How is there stillwateronmyskin?Howcan therebe somuchof it?The

truly terrible part is I could whisk it away, but I don’t know what theconsequenceswouldbe.WouldIlosemyselfandbecomethesiren?OrcouldImanagetokeepmyheadlikeIdid thosefewtimeswithRiden’shelp?Idon’tknow,butatthispoint,Ican’triskit.Notwithwhat’sabouttocome.

Idon’tknowhowmuchtimepassesbeforeIgiveupbeingquitesocareful.Isingalowtunetothemanwholookedupatmytaunt.Heseemstobetheweakoneof the bunch.Getmea blanket! I hurl thewords at him in the formof aharshsong.Onlyhecanheartheintentofthesong.Totheothers,I’mmakingmeaninglessnoise.

Abruptly,hegetsupandleaves.“Whereyehgoing?”anotheroneaskshim.Hedoesn’treceivearesponse.Theenchantedmanreturnsshortly.Hehandsmeablanketthroughthebars.

“Just to get you to shut up,” I have him say, to throw off any suspicions theothersmighthave.

“Aboutbloodytime,”Isay.Iriptheclothfromhishandsanduseittowipethewaterfrommyskin.ThenIwrapmyselfinit.Somuchbetter.Icanactuallythinkclearly.

All I need now is towait out the rest of the day. Possibly the night, too. Idon’tknowhowlongitwilltake.

Yesterdayandthismorninghavethoroughlyexhaustedme.Idriftinandoutofsleep.FirstIdreamofRiden.He’shealthyandwell.Hetellsmeagainhe’sabettershot thanIam.Wetaketurnsshootingatdummies.Intheend,hewins.But thismakesmerealize this isadream. In reality,hecouldn’tpossiblybeatme.

ThenIdreamofmyfather.He’sdemandingthemap.Screamingatmefromwhere I rest behind bars, refusing to let me out until I produce it. I searchthroughmy clothes,where I know I’ve put themap, but it’smysteriously notthere.He tellsme I’ll never see the outsideof the cell.Thebars startmovingcloser,crushingmyskin.

Igaspoutloud.Themenontheothersideofthebarssnortbeforegoingbacktotheirdiceanddrinking.

Afewmomentslater,Islinkintoblissfulsleeponceagain,thinkingaboutthelastsongIutteredbeforebeingpulledbackaboardthisship.

Itwon’tbelongnow.

***

Iwaketothesoundofgunshots.Ahugesmilestretchesacrossmyface.It’stime.“Allhandsondeck!”Draxenshoutsfromabove.Myguardsallhurryupthe

stairs,leavingmealonebelow.After flipping over the table inmy cell, I check the leg formy lockpicks.

They’restillhere.All thattimeandRidencouldn’tfigureouthowIgotoutofmycell.

Thefightaboveisloud.There’sscreamingandgrunting.Swinginglimbsandclangingmetal.Cursingandcollapsing.

Eventually, I hear rapid stomping; it’s distinct from the rest of theongoingbattle. Probably because it’s closer. If I had to guess, I’d say someone rolleddownthestairs.Shame,that.Probablywillhurtlikemadthenextdayifthepoorbastardisn’talreadydead.

“Captain,youdownhere?”“Overhere!”Ishoutback.Niridia’sfacecomesintoview,followedbytwomoremembersofmycrew.I

couldjumpforhowgladIamtoseethem.“Got your beckonings. Wallov came to me the moment he heard you

singing,”shesays.Shelooksmeupanddown.“Youcan’tbeinagoodmood.Youlookterrible.”

Icringe.“Don’tremindme.”Niridia grins. She’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, but

that’snotwhyshe’smyfirstmate.Wemetfiveyearsago,boththedaughtersofpirates.Niridia’smyseniorbyoneyear,butshefollowsordersandfightsnearlyas well as I do.With hair the color of the sun and bright blue eyes, she’s acompletecontradiction,asanyonewho’sseenherfightcanattest.

“How’sthesituationuptop?”Iask.“Shipshape,Captain,”Niridiasays.“Tylon’smenhavenearlyhalfofthemon

theirbacksalready.”“Tylon’shere?”Venomcreepsintomyvoice.“Sorry.He caughtme leaving. I didn’t tell himwhere Iwas going, but he

followed.”“Bloodyhell,thatmanneedstolearntomindhisownbusiness.”“Youknowhowheis.”Yes,but I’mstillgoing tohavea long talkwithhimwhen this is alldone.

Tyloncaptainsoneoftheshipsinmyfather’sfleet.Andlatelyhe’sgottenitintohisheadthatthetwoofusneedtobe…involved.Anotionmyfathernodoubtpersuadedhimof.I,however,wantnothingtodowiththearrogantpisspot.

“Wouldn’tbetooharshonhim,Captain.Hismenhelpedafewofthegirlsuptopwhentheywereinatightspot.”

“I’msure.Andhowmanytimesdidthegirlshavetoassisthisidioticcrew?”“Plenty.”“Ithoughtso.”“Shall we go join the fight, then?” Mandsy asks eagerly from where she

standsbetweenNiridiaandSorinda.“Sword?”Iask.“Here, Captain.” This from Sorinda. The raven-haired girl produces my

swordoutofseeminglynowhere.Sorindahidesmoreweaponsonherthanaspy

doessecrets.Ah,mycutlass.Oneofthefirstgiftsmyfatherevergaveme.IhadSorinda

holdontoitformewhileIwentonmymission.Icanseeshetookgoodcareofit.There’snooneI’dtrustmorewithaweaponthanSorinda.

Seeingthemagainwarmsme.NowIwantnothingmorethantobebackonmyship,butfirstthingsfirst.

“Let’shelptheboysandgirlsupstairs,shallwe?”“Aye,”theyallrespondtogether.We trodabovedeckandengage in the fight. It’sutter chaos. Ihaveonlya

momenttoregisterfriendfromfoeasItrytorememberthefacesofallthemenfromtheNightFarer.ThiswouldbefareasierifTylon’smenweren’tmixedinwithDraxen’s.Insteadofsimplykillingallthemenontheship,Inowhavetobewary of the pirateswho serve undermy father inTylon’s crew.To be fair, acoupleofthemenaremine.ButIknoweverymemberofmyshipsowell,it’dbeimpossibleformetomistakethemforanyoneelse.

Therearepeoplestilltryingtoboardtheship,eagertojointhebattle.Draxenandhismendon’tstandachance,but they’reputtingupafight.Mostof themare,anyway.IseeKearansittingonthedeck,drinking,notacareintheworld.Notmuchofafighter,thatone.

I spotDraxen.He’s fighting twoofTylon’smen at once. For amoment, Iwish one of themwould kill him.Riden can’t blameme for that, and I do sowanttoseehimdead.ButIknowthatnomatterbywhosehandhefalls,Ridenwillstillhurtfromtheloss.IhatethatIkeepprovingVordanright.IcareaboutRiden’spain.Idon’tknowwhy,butIdo.

Beforemy eyes,Draxen slays one ofTylon’smen.The other steps back acouple of feet. Then he advanceswith a new fury. Badmove, that. The poorman’snotthinkingclearly.Hewillonlyjoinhisfriend.

Draxenkillshim, too.Thepiratefalls to thedeckasTylonboards theship.Seeingamankilloneofyourownmenisaterriblesight.Ithelpsyoupickyourtargetsduringabattle.AndTylonracesforDraxenimmediately.

Thisneedstostop.Now.Tylonisanexcellentfighter.He’sbeenpiratingagoodsixyearsofhislife,

eversincehewasaladoftwelve.Nowhe’soneofmyfather’smosttrustedmenandagoodmatchforanypiratecaptain.Icouldn’tsaywhowouldwininafight.

Thismakesmeunaccountablynervous.Ican’triskTylonwinning,buthowwoulditlookifIintervened?

Oh,forstars’sake!I race forward, jumpingbetween the twomenwhoare still agood ten feet

fromeachother.“Alosa,”IhearTylonsayfrombehindme.I ignore him for now. “Draxen, you need to stop this. Tell your men to

surrender,ormorewilldie.”Draxen looksatme,hiseyes filledwithblood lust.Surrendering is the last

thinghewillconsider,evenatthecostofthelivesofallhismen.Headvancestowardme,determinedtoendmeonceandforall.

I’lljusthavetoknockhimoutagain.ButhowwillitlooktoeveryoneelseifIdon’tkillhim?

Suddenly,Draxen’seyesarenolongeronme,andIhearswordsdroptothedeck.

Whatthe—Iturnaround,thoughIalreadysuspectwhatI’llfind.Thepiratekinghasarrived.Ilookaroundtheship,spotNiridia,andcatchhereye.Themessageconveyed

inthelookIgiveherisobvious.Didyoudothis?Sheshakesherheadonce.No.MynextactionistokickTylonintheshin.“Ow,”hesays.“Youbroughthimhere?”“Ofcourse.Youobviouslycalledforhelp.Whywouldn’tIbringhimhere?”“Becausewedon’t needhishelp.” Imakea soundakin to agrowl.Then I

advancetotheship’sedge.“Hello,Father.”

“Doyouhaveit?”heasks.Hedoesnotlookpleased.Myfatherisabearofaman. Dark brown hair and beard.Wide-set shoulders. Over six feet tall. Youdon’t have tomeet him beforehand to knowwho he is.My father commandsattentioninthesamewaythewindscommandthewaves.

“Ofcourse,”Irespond.Ireachahandinto thesinglepocketonmybreechesandpullout thesmall

orb.Draxenwassoconcernedforhisbrother’slife,hedidnotthinktocheckmefor the map again. He might not have even realized it was no longer in hispossession.

Inaverybusinesslikemanner,Iplacethemapintomyfather’swaitinghands.Helooksovertheglass,confirmingI’vegivenhimwhathewants.

“Nowexplainyourself.WhydidyoucallNiridia?”Everything is silent,halted.All themenandwomenholdDraxen’screwat

gun-orsword-point.Myfatherdoesn’tcareabouttheirdiscomfort.He’lltakeasmuchtimeashewantstoquestionme.It’sasifeverythingstopsforhim.Ithasalwaysbeenthisway.

“Ineededawayofftheship.Ihadthemapandneededawaytotransportit.”Helooksatme,slightlydisbelieving.“Whydidn’tyoubringthisshiptome?”

BeforeIcananswer,heholdsupahandtosilenceme.“Niridia?”“Aye,sir!”Niridiashoutsfromwhereshehastwomenheldatgunpoint.“Tellme,wheredidyoufindmydaughterwhenyouboardedtheship?”“Shewas—”“Inthebrig,”Iinterject.Niridiawouldlieforme.She’ddieforme,too.And

inthiscase,theywouldbethesamething.Myfathermaydomanythingstome,but I knowhewould never killme.Hewould not show the same courtesy toanyonewholiedtohim.

“Itwasaminorsetback,”Isay.“Iwaskidnappedoffthisship.VordanSeradcameforme.”

“Vordan?” My father’s face darkens. He has a deep contempt for hiscompetitors.“Howdidheknowyouwerehere?”

“Hehadaspyontheship.”“Whatdidhewantwithyou?”“Hewascuriousaboutmy…skills.He lockedmeupandforcedme todo

thingsforhim.”I try tokeep theconversationasunrevealingaspossiblesincewehavelisteningears.

“Whatdidhelearn?”“Alot,I’mafraid.Buthealreadyknewmostofit.Saidhehadaspyhighup

inyourranks.”Myfather’seyespassoverhismenquickly.“Bethatthecase,Iwilldealwith

itlater.Wasyourescapedifficult?”Iholdmyselfstraight.“Ihandleditfine.”“AndVordan?”“Dead.”“Didyousearchhisbodyforhismap?”“Aye. Itwasn’t there, and the circumstancesofmyescapedidn’t allowme

timetodoasearchofthearea.”“Really?”my father asks doubtfully.He has trouble seeing how others are

unabletocompleteeventhemostdifficultoftasks.“Andwhywasthat?”Because I had to get Riden away to safety. “His whole crew was nearby.

Theywerebeingalertedtomyescape.Ididnothavetimeonmyside.”“Time?”I’mreallystartingtohatehispryingquestions.Theyalwaysunnerveme,but

I try tokeepmy temper in check.My father is agoodman.Hehas tokeepatoughfaceinfrontofthecrew,evenduringhisdealingswithme.

“ItwasdifficultenoughtakingdownVordan’smassivebulkandescaping.Ineededtogetoutofthere.”

Now Kalligan looks at me strangely; I cannot guess the reason for it.“DescribeVordantome.”

“Hewastall,”Isay.“Oversixfeet.Well-muscled.Baldontopwithabrownbeard.Hadfivegoldhoopsinhisleftear—”

“Thatwasn’tVordan.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“Vordan is an unremarkable man. Average looks and build. Brown hair.

Casualclothes.Helikestoblendin,inacrowd.Although,hedoeshavearatherobvioushabit.Likestoflipacoinoverhisfingers.”

Mymindfeelsasthoughitphysicallyexpandsastheinformationseepsintomyears.Myjawdrops.

“Cleverbastard!”Iexclaim.“What?”myfatherasks.“He was there.He was here. He was the spy on the ship. He wanted to

observemeforhimself,buthedidn’twantme toknowwhohewas, sohe letone of hismen pretend to be him.He ensured that all the attentionwas keptawayfromhimself.”That’swhyhewastheonewhohadthekeytomycell.Andhewouldhavebeentheonecarryingthefinalmappiece.

Fatherlooksupsuddenly.Hegrabsmebythearmandhaulsmetothesidejust asDraxen lands rightwherewe’dbeen standing,his swordpointedat thepirateking.Hemusthaveclimbedthenettingwhenalltheattentionwasonmyfatherandme.

Damn idiot! If I’m bothering to save his sorry arse, Draxen could at leastmakeiteasyforme!

Myfather’smenmoveforward,preparedtoprotecttheirking.“No,”hetellsthem,holdinguphishandstohaltthem.“I’llhandletheboy.”

Hedrawshisswordandpreparestoduel.“Father,”Isayhurriedly.“What?”HekeepshiseyesonDraxen,butIcanseethelookofannoyanceon

hisface.“Death by your hand is too good for him and his crew. Letme take them

captive.” I smile in away I hope is convincingnow thatFather’s glancedmyway. “I’d like to return the courtesy they have shownmewhile Iwas aboardtheirship.”Itshouldn’tmattertomeifDraxendies,oranyoneelseinhiscrew,

butitdoes.I wish I could sweeten the deal with a little song. But my powers of

persuasion don’t work on my father, unfortunately. Actually, none of myabilitiesworkonhim.He’stheonlymanI’veevermetwhoisimmunetoallmyabilities (though Inowknowmypowersof seductiondon’tworkonmen likeVordan—orwhoeverthatmanwaspretendingtobeVordan).Itprobablyhastodowiththefactthathe’smyfather.Hisbloodrunsthroughmyveins.

Kalliganfinallylooksatmewithapproval,anditwarmsmetoseethatlookonhisface.“Verywell.Takewhoyouwill.Killtherest.Can’thaveanyofthemgoingfree.Dumptheirbodiesintheseaandbringmebackthisship.”

“Aye,sir.”“Andwhenyou’redoneandcleanedup,comefindme.I’mexpectingafull

report.”Thepiratekingleavestheship,takinghismenwithhim.Tylonandhismenfollow.

MycrewhavealreadyremovedalltheweaponsfromDraxen’smen.Theyarenowmovedbeforeme in a line and forced to their knees.Several ofmygirlshavetowrestleDraxen’sswordfromhim.Eventhoughhe’ssurrounded,hestillwon’t go down without a fight. But he’s forced to the ground in line witheveryoneelse.

Isurveythemslowly,lettingthefearsinkin.Ihaveexperiencedagreatmanythingswhile on this ship that I’d rather forget. Thesemenwill not suffer thesamemisfortunes. They’ll only face death or imprisonment. So a little fear ishealthyforthemrightnow.

“Thisfeelsoddlyfamiliar,”Isaytothepirateswhoarenowatmymercy.Iknewthisdaywouldcome;Ijusthadn’texpectedittofeelsogood.“Whowantstolive?ShouldIbemerciful?OrshouldIkillyoualllikeyoutriedtodowithmycrewwhenyoucapturedme?”IaddressthatlastparttoDraxenspecifically.

“Dowhatyouwill,woman,”Draxensays,spittingonthedeck.I hadn’t expected him to face death so nobly. “Your men should be

disappointedthatyoudon’teventrytobargainfortheirlives.”

“If it’s all the same,” one pirate pipes up, “I’d prefer to live.” This fromKearan.

Ismile.“Verywell.Wallov,Deros,takethispiratetothebrig.”WallovandDerosaretheonlytwomeninmycrew.Theyareallmuscle,bothofthem,andthey’re handy dealingwith prisoners. Particularly large ones likeKearan. Buttheirmusclesarenottheonlythingsthatmakethemuseful.Ineedatleastonemanonmyshipatalltimes.Menaretheonlyoneswhocanhearmysong.Oratleastbeaffectedbyit.WhenI’mpartedfrommycrew,it’sgoodtoalwayshaveawaytocontactthemquicklywhenthey’rewithinreachofmysong.

“Takethisone,too,”Iorder,pointingtoEnwen.“Andthecaptain.Also,youshouldfindaninjuredman,sufferingfromtwogunshotwoundsintheroomsoffthemaindeck.Takehimtotheshipaswell.Mandsy?”

“Aye,Captain?”“Seetohim,willyou?”“Ofcourse.”Iorderseveralmoretobebroughtover,afewofthereallyyoungones.It’s

hardertoallowsuchyouthtobetakenfromtheworldsoeasily.I’llletthemgoatthenextport,andKalliganwillbenonethewiser.

But theothers, thosewhowerecruel tome, thosewhoare trulydespicablelowlifes,likeUlgin—thoseIwanttoseerottingatthebottomofthesea.

“Killtherest,”Isay.Sorindaisthefirsttotakeouthersword.Shestartssteppingbehindthemen

andslittingtheirthroatsoneaftertheother.Killingispracticallyanartforher.Thewayshemovesismagical.

Everyonehurriestofolloworders.Theprisonersaretakenovertotheship.IarrangeforafewofmycrewtostayaboardtheNightFarertosteerhertowardthemeetingplace.Thebodies are dumpedoverboard, and everyone returns totheirpositions.

It is onlywhen everything is sorted out that I can return tomy own ship.WhenIfinallystepontothedeckoftheAva-lee,thetasteoffreedomhitsme.I

was never really a prisoner while on theNight Farer, of course, but there’ssomethingtrulysweetaboutbeinghomeagain.

Chapter21

I TRAILMYHANDS along thewooden railing as Iwalk. It was damaged onceduringabattleagainstashipthattriedtodesertmyfather’sfleet.Acannonfrommy ship tore through the opposing vessel’s mizzenmast, and the whole thingmanagedtocomedownontomyship,tearingthroughtherailinganddentingthedeck. The crew and I quickly sailed for the island of Butana,wherewe stolewoodenplanksfromtheisland’sfinelumberyards.Nearlylostamemberofthecrew, too.Menwith saws and axes chased us away, but even carrying heavywoodenplanks,westillallmadeitoutalive.Werebuilttherailingourselvesandreplacedthedamagedplanksinthedeck.

Each piece of this ship has a story. Each piece was fought hard for andearned. Itmakes thewhole somuchmore rewarding,because it tooksomuchefforttoputhertogether.

IlovemyshipalmostasmuchasIlovemycrew.Iseethedoortomyquarters,andIfeelastrongpullinthatdirection,butI

ignoreit.Therewillbetimetogetcomfortablelater.“Hiya,Cap’n,”atinyvoicesaysfromabove.Roslynswaysdownfromarope

untilherbarefeethittheground.Theweelassismorestableswingingthroughtheairthansheisonflatground.

Irufflethegirl’shairasItakeinthefacesofallmycrew,promisingmyselfthattherewillbetimetocatchupwitheveryonelater.Butthereareafewthingsthatmustbesettledfirst.

“Niridia,” I say. Nomatter where I am on the ship, my first mate alwaysmanagestohearme.IswearIcouldwhispertoherfromdownbelowandshe’dhearmefromthecrow’snest.It’safantasticabilityofherown.

“Aye,Captain?”sheasks,materializinginfrontofme.“Howmanydeadintheskirmish?”“Don’tbeatyourselfupoverit.Whenthereisfightingtobedone,goodmen

andwomenwillbelost.Andthere’snotoneonthisshipwhoisn’twillingtodieforyou.”

“Howmany?”Irepeat.“Two.”“Who?”“ZimahandMim.”I closemy eyes and picture their faces inmymind.Zimahwas one of the

threewhovolunteeredtocomewithmeonthejourneytogetmyselfkidnappedby Draxen. She was a great tracker and a fine conversationalist. She had allkinds of stories to share about the places she’d been. I loved listening to her.Mimhadagoodpairofhandsonher.AlwayswillingtodowhatIasked,gladnomatterwhatitwas.Amightyfinepirate.Ishallmissthembothdearly.IhatetothinkitwasbecauseIcalledforhelpthatthetwoofthemdied.Irealizeeverymanandwomanknowswhattheysignupforwhentheyjointhecrew,butstill.Ihatetheconstantlossesthatcomewithpirating.

“Wewilllightcandlesforthemtonight,”Isay.“AlreadysenttheordertoRoslyn.”“Good.”Ascaptain,Ihavetopushasidelossesandfocusonwhat’sbestfor

thecrew.Ihatethatpart, too.“We’llneedanewnavigator.Someonewhocantrackandknowsthelandsandwaterswell.”

Niridianods.Acrazythoughtcomestome.“Iknowjusttheman.”“Man?”Niridiaasks.“Didn’tyouswearafterRalinthatyou’dnevertakeon

anothermanforthecrewsolongaswealreadyhadone?”

“Oh,don’tremindmeaboutRalin.Couldn’tkeephishandsoffthecrew,thatone.Despicablecreature.”

“Hewasabitmorebearableonceyoucutthemoff.”“Yes, shamehedecided to leaveouremployafter that.Can’t imaginewhat

thatwasabout.”Niridiasmiles.“Somemendon’thavethestomachforbeingpirates.”“This one, if he’s willing, should be well cut out for the job. He’s more

interestedinhisdrinkthaninthegirls.Andhe’ssoslow,hewouldn’tbeabletocatchanyofthewomen.”

“Soundslikeafinespecimen.Howcouldweturndownsuchanable-bodiedman?”

Ilaugh.“Imissedyou,Niridia.”“Missedyou,too,Captain.”“I need to go belowdecks, but I should be back shortly.Get us going,will

you?Iwanttogettothecheckpointasquicklyaspossible.”“Ofcourse.”Itdoesn’tseemright that the firstplace Ishouldgoonceboardingmyown

ship,theAva-lee,isthebrig.I’vespentsomuchtimeincages,cells,andotherformsofentrapmentover thelastmonth.It’shardlythesightIwant tobemetwithnow.

Butthereislotstodo,andwhywastetime?Besides,Draxen’sinmybrig,andIwanttogloat.I treadbelowdecks.Thesoundofmyfeetpoundingon thewoodensteps is

much sweeter than when Riden was dragging me belowdecks on the NightFarer.Freedomisasoundunlikeanyother.Andmyshipissomuchprettier.IdoubtIcouldfinditslikenessanywhere.

Thecellsareallfull.Iliketokeeptheprisonersasseparatedaspossible.Lesschanceofescapingthatway.Asitis,somehavetoshare,twomentoacell.NotDraxen,though.He’stheonetobeespeciallywaryof.He’sallthewaydownontheendbyhimself.

I probably kept more of Draxen’s crew than I should have. There will beplentyofopportunitiesforgettingridof them.Ideally,beforeTriannerunsoutoffoodtomakeinthekitchen.Menaremoreexpensivetofeed.

Wallov and Deros stand to attention once I enter the brig. Draxen lookspointedlyawayfromme.

“Whysosullen,Draxen?”Iask.“Yougotthebestcell.”Heignoresme.IsmileasIlooktomymen.“Goodtoseeyou,Captain,”Wallovsays.“Roslyn’sbeenaskingafteryoufor

quitesometime.”“Howisshecomingwithherletters?”“Quitewell.Likestoreadeverythinginsight.”“Gladtohearit.It’sgoodtoseeyoubothagain.Sadly,Imustcutthechatting

short.Wewillhaveplentyoftimetocelebratefindingthemapandtocatchuplater tonight. Right now, would you kindly bring me out that one?” I ask,pointingatacellinthemiddle.

“Thelargeone,Captain?”“Aye.”“Surething.”Theybothenterthecell,DerosstandingnearthedoorwhileWallovgoesin

all theway.There are twopirates in this cell.Theyoungerone standsupandtries to giveWallov some trouble, butWallov shoves him backward, sendinghimtothegroundandleavingafreetrailtoKearan.

Kearan’s slumped on the floor, but he stands quickly. “No need for force,mate.I’vegotnoreasonnottocomewillingly.”

Wallovletshimwalkbackonhisown,buthekeepsaneyeonKearan.He’sgotstrongarmsandsharpeyes,thatWallov.

DeroslocksthecellbackupwhileWallovbringsKearantome.I’mstandingbackoverbytheentrywaytothebrig.Noneedforall thepirates tohearwhatI’mabouttoofferhim.Mightgivethemallthewrongidea.ForKearanisoneofonlytwomenIintendtorecruit.

“Kearan?”“Yes?”heasks,notbotheringtotackonanysortofciviltitle.Eveninsucha

diresituation,hehashiscome-what-mayattitude.“One ofmy goodwomen died in the skirmish.A spot’s opened up onmy

crew.Icoulduseanavigatorlikeyourself.Areyouinterested?”“It’sbeenonlyamonthsinceyoutriedtokillme.Nowyouwanttohireme?”

Hedoesn’tlookconfusedorscaredorevengrateful.Justbored.“Iknow.I’mquestioningitmyself.”“What’llhappenifIsayno?”“You’ll stay down here until I either kill you or … well, killing you is

probablytheonlyoption.”Idon’twanttotellhimI’dlethimgo.Hecan’tthinkhe has toomany options. Besides, once he spends some time onmy ship, hewon’tregretthedecision.

“Withsuchgraciousoptionslikethose,howcanIchoose?”I cross my arms. “I think I’m beingmore than fair. You’re lazy, and you

wouldn’tneedtocontributeallthatoften.”“Inthemeantime,willIstaydownhere?”“No,you’llbeonprobation,freetoroamtheshipwithaguardtrailingyou.

OnceIfeelIcantrustyou,I’llremovethat.”Kearanscratchesatthestubbleonhisface,thinkingitover.Iadd,“Wehavearatherlargerumstorage.”“I’lldoit.”“I thoughtyoumightsaythat.Now,reportuptop.Gointroduceyourself to

thehelmsman.”“Aye.”Hestartstoleave.“Kearan.”Istophim.“Yes?”“Youwilladdressmeas‘Captain’fromnowon.”He looks down at the floor for amoment, as though thismight change his

mind.Finally,hesays,“Aye,Captain.”

“Good.”He leaves, and I grabWallov’s attention again. “Now I need that one.The

manwiththepearls.”Enwenistheonlyoneinthecell.Hecomesstrollingoutassoonasitopens.“MissAlosa,”hesays.“Iseethebraceletbroughtyouluckafterall.”“What?”He points tomy foot. I forgot completely that he’d tied his “siren charm”

there. “Got you your freedom, didn’t it? And I know my pearls still workbecauseI’mheresafeandsoundonyourship.Areyehabelieveryet?”

“I’mafraidIdon’tbelieveinluck.Justskill.”“SometimesIthinkthey’rethesamething.”I’mnotsurewhathemeansbythat,butIdon’treallycareatthemoment.“It

sohappensIcoulduseagoodthief.Wouldyoubewillingtojoinmycrew?”Hesmiles.“Course.Don’tcaremuchwhereIsail,solongasthereisplenty

ofcointobefound.”“Don’tworry. Ipromise thatwherewe’regoing, therewillbemoremoney

thanyoucanevenfathom.”Enwenlickshislips.“Inthatcase,Ipromisetobethebestthiefyou’veever

seen.”“Good.Reportuptop,then.”“Aye-aye.”Ashedisappearsabovedeck,IrealizeIshouldhavementionedthatheleave

thethievingforwhenhe’sofftheship.BestnotforgetnexttimeIseehim.I survey the remaining prisoners before speaking up. “The rest of youwill

remainhereuntilIdecidewhattodowithyou.Youneedn’tfearforyourlivesunlessyoutrytoescape.”I lookatDraxenduringthelastbit.“Thenyouhavegreatneedtoworry.”

Draxenstands.“Whatofmybrother?”“Mybesthealerisseeingtohiswounds.”“Ifanythinghappenstohim,I’llkillyou.”

“Draxen,emptythreatsareuseless.Yourbrotherisinmycare,andwhateverIdecidetodowithhimwillbedone.Thereisnothingyoucandotochangeit.Understand?”

Imay havemade it sound a bitworse than it is, but I don’t care.After somuchtimespentnearDraxen,heshouldbegladI’mlettinghimkeephislife.

Istartforthesurface,followingafterthetwonewmembersofmycrew.Thoughthepainofourlossisgreat,IthinkKearanandEnwenwillbenice

additions. I have plenty of good fighters on the ship, but skilled thieves andnavigatorsarehardtocomeby.

Ibreach the topandamgreetedby thebrightsun. It isa finedaywith fewclouds in the sky.Thewindblowsmyhairovermyshoulders. It’sperfect forsailing.

IstopshortwhenIfindKearanfrozeninplace,facingthestern.“Kearan?”Iask,pokinghimintheback.Hedoesn’tmove.I swivel around so I can look at his face.He’s staring at something ahead.

Attemptingtofollowhisgaze,Icanonlyguesshe’slookingattheaftercastle.“Kearan?”Itryagain.He opens his mouth, closes it again to swallow, and tries again. “Who is

that?”Oh,he’s looking at a person. I take another look. “Niridia?That’smy first

mateatthehelm.”Heshakeshishead.“Nother.Thedarkbeautyintheshadows.”Ilookagain.Ihadn’tevennoticedSorindahidingintheshadowcastbythe

endsail.“That’sSorinda.”Hedoesn’tlookaway.AsfarasIcantell,hehasn’tblinked.“Andwhatisher

jobontheship?”Ismile.“She’smyassassin.”“Iwanthertobetheonetosuperviseme.”“What?”“YousaidIwasonprobationandIwouldbesupervisedforatime.Iwantit

tobeher.”IhaveneverheardKearantalksoclearly.Hiswordsareusuallyaccompanied

bytheslurthatcomeswithconstantdrunkenness.“DidyouhearthepartwhereIsaidshe’smyassassin?Don’tmesswithher.

She’llkillyoubeforeyouhavetimetoblink.”“Thenitshouldn’tbeaproblem.ShecanmakesureIdon’tstepoutofline.”Nottwentyminutesago,IassuredNiridiathatKearanwasmoreinterestedin

hisdrinkthaninthegirls.ItappearsIspoketoosoon.Buttobehonest,I’mdyingtoseehowthisturnsout.“Sorinda!”Ishout.Shedoesn’tmoveherstance,butIseehereyesshifttowardme.“Comedownhere.”Iwaveherover.Like a cat, she slinks out of the shadows. Rather than taking the

companionway,sheleapsovertherailingandlandswithoutmakingasound.She is, as Kearan described, a dark beauty. Long black hair. Thin with

elegantly pointed features. Though she’s constantly trying to hide, when shecomes into the light, there are fewwho stand outmore.Niridia is an obviousbeautywithfeaturesthatalmostlookpainted.Sorindais likesomethingforgedoutofnature.Oneofthebeautiesthatonlycomesoutatnight.

Shedoesn’tansweronceshereachesus.Shesimplywaitsformetospeak.Kearanstaresatheropenly.Sorindapretendsnottonotice.“ThisisKearan.He’sjoinedourcrew.Goingtobeournewnavigator.Right

nowhe’sonprobation.Willyoukeepaneyeonhimforme?”“Ialwayshaveaneyeoneveryone.”Ismile.“Iknow,butthisoneisofficiallyyourresponsibility.”She sizes up Kearan. Her expression never changes much. It’s always

impossibletotellwhatshe’sfeeling.Butnowherlipscurvedownwardslightly.Kearanmaybelargeandugly,butthere’snodenyinghe’sgoodatwhathedoes—solongasheisproperlymotivatedtodoit.

“Verywell,”shesaysatlast.

“Good.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,Ihaveonemoreprisonertosee.”ThoughDraxen’sshipisbiggerthanmine,I’veoptedformoreroomsuptop

rather than largercaptain’squarters formyself.Since Iactuallycareaboutmycrew,I’vehadaroomfashionedfortreatinginjuries.

ThisistheoneIstartfor.Onmyway,IspotEnwenat theportsiderailing,surveying thecrew.He’s

lessofaconcerntomethanKearan.I’llhavesomeonekeepaneyeonhim,butthatcanbesortedoutlater.

Mandsyleansoverthecushionedtableintheroom,whereRidenliesonhisback,asleep.Hisbreecheshavebeenshearedatthethighstoalloweasyaccesstothepistolwounds.Theroomsmellsofointmentsandblood.

“Howishe?”Iask.“Thingsarelookingreallygood,Captain.Theballhasalreadybeenremoved

fromhis thigh.The shot athis calfwent clean through. I bandagedhimupasbestIcould,includingthelightercutsandstabsonhisarms.”

Somethinginsidemerelaxes,andbreathingcomesmoreeasily.“Good.Hashebeenconsciousatall?”

“Yes.Hewokeuponceandlookedatmefunny.”“Didhesayanything?”“He said, ‘Youdon’t have red hair.’Thenhe fell back asleep.”She smiles

knowingly.“HewasawfullydisappointedIwasn’tyou,Captain.”“Nonsense.Thereareplentyofredheadedwomen.”“Ifyousayso.”“Alosa?”Thevoiceisfaintandunsteady.“Riden.”IstepuptotheheadofthetablesoI’minhislineofvision.“I’lljustleaveyoutwoforamoment,”Mandsysays.“Yes,thankyou,Mands.”Sheclosesthedoorbehindher.Hisfaceispale,buthischeststillrisesandfalls,fillingwithairthenreleasing

it.Inevertrulyappreciatedthatmotionuntilnow.Hisarmsandlegsarecovered

inbandages.There’sbarelymoreskinthanwhitestripsofcloth.“Howdoyoufeel?”Iask.“LikeIgotshot.Twice.”“Ifyouweren’tsoinjuredalready,I’dbeatyouforwhatyoudidbackthere.”“Freeingus?”Ishakemyhead.“No,youidiot.Gettingyourselfshot!Twice!”“Paingoesawayeventually,”hesays.“Deathispermanent.”“You’reawfullylucidforamanwhowasshot.”Hesmilesbeforehisfaceturnstoseriousness.“I’msorryforwhatthosemen

didtoyou.Ican’tpossiblyknowhowawfulitwasforyou,butIimagineitwashorrific.”

Ilookathimincredulously.“What?”“Doyouseeme?”Iask.“Yes.What—”“I’mstanding.Ihavenoinjuries.Nogunshotwounds,andyouthinkIhada

horrifictime?I’mfine.”AlthoughI’mfuriousthatTheris—therealVordan—isstillalive.

“Howismybrother?”Ridenasks.“He’sinmybrig.”“Alive?”“Yes,alive!YouthinkIwantacorpsestinkinguptheplace?”“Thankyou,Alosa.”Iwavehimofflikeit’snothing.“Itrustyoufindyourownaccommodations

satisfying?”Iaskwhenthesilencebecomestoolong.“I’monatable.”“Yes,butit’stheonlythingintheroomasidefromMandsy’scaseofhealing

supplies.Notamessinsight.There’snothingforyoutoobsessover.”Helaughs.Whenhe’sdone,heasks,“Whathappensnow?”“Honestly,Idon’tknow.MyfatherandIhavesomeplanningtodo.Themen

fromyourcrewwhoarestillalive,I’lldropoffatsomeport.Ican’tletDraxengofree.Heclearlywon’tlethisdefeatgo,sohe’llremainmyprisonerfornow.ButnoharmwillcometohimoryouifIcanhelpit.”

He locks eyes with me. His expression is so grateful, so relieved—you’dthinkI’dmadehimkingofhisownisland.

“Yousavedmylife,Riden.I’msimplyreturningthefavor.”“Isthatreallyallitis?”“Yes.”He takes a deep breath. “Whenwewere on that island, I learned somuch

aboutyou. I accusedyoubeforeof enchantingme, of toyingwithmymind. Iknownowwhatitreallyfeelsliketobeunderyourcontrol.Irealizedyouwerebeinghonestwithmebefore,andthatwhatIthink—whatIfeel—hasnothingtodowithyourabilities,buteverythingtodowithyou.”

“Riden,”Isay,stoppinghim.“Yes?”“You’ve lost a lot of blood, and I’mpretty sure youwere dead for a time.

Maybeyou should take some time to reclaimyour strength—andyourhead—beforeyousayordoanythingmad.”

“Likegetshottwice?”heasks,relievingthetensionintheroom.Ilaugh.“Yes,likethat.”“Fine,butsinceIknowsomuchaboutwhatyou’recapableof,wouldithurt

ifIaskedyouaquestion?”“Youmayask.”Doesn’tmeanI’llanswer.“What’s so special about your birth? How did you come to possess the

powers of sirens without fully becoming one? You said you’d tell me inexchangefor themap.ThoughIdidn’toffer it toyoufreely,youhave itnow,andI’dstillliketoknow.”

Ridendoesknowsomuchaboutme.Hewitnessedfirsthandall thehorriblethingsIcoulddotohimifIwanted.Yethestilltalkstomeasthoughwe’re…friends, almost. I don’t mind if he knows more. It’s remarkable that he’s

acceptingmeasitis.NotthatIshouldcarewhetherhedoesordoesn’t.“My father followed his section of themap almost nineteen years ago.He

wantedtoseehowfarhecouldgetwithwhathehad.Heandtwoshipsfromhisfleetcameacrossan island thathadneverbeenchartedbyanycartographer inManeria,savetheonewhomadethemaptotheIsladeCantalongago.”Iknowthis story by heart. When I was little, I asked my father to tell it to merepeatedly.NowthatI’molder,Irealizeit’sabitinappropriateforayounggirl.ButmyfatherhasalwaystreatedmeasthoughI’molderthanIreallyam.

“Whatwastheisland?”Ridenasks.“Wedonotknowitsname.Onlythat it is locatedonthewaytotheIslade

Canta.Butitsnameisnotimportant.What’simportantiswhattheyfoundwhentheyreachedit.”

“Whatdidtheyfind?”“A lagoon.A lagoonwherebeautifulwomenbathed in thewater.Thinking

thatthey’dgoandhavesomefun,severalmenjumpedoverboard,includingmyfather.Butinsteadofthewomenfleeing,screamingtogetaway,itwasthemenwhoshriekeduntiltheirheadsdisappearedbelowthewater’ssurface.”

“Butyourfathersurvived.How?”Ismile,rememberingwhenhetoldmethestoryofhowheandDraxentook

controloftheNightFarer.“Don’tinterrupt.I’mgettingthere.”“Sorry.”“Thesirenisastrongcreature.Strongerthananysingleman.Whenshefinds

her prey, she grips him by the shoulders and forces him down to the ocean’sbottom,whereshehasherwaywithhim.”

Ridenswallows.“Howromantic.”Icockmyhead.“Wouldyousayitisanymoreterriblethantheintentionsof

themenwhostartedfortheminthefirstplace?”Ridenissilentatthat.Icontinue.“Amanwillstruggleandfighttosavehislife,butthesirenwill

alwayswin.Andthosesirenswhoconceivewhileunderwaterwillgivebirthto

sirenchildren.Alwaysgirls,ofcourse.Becausesirensarealwaysfemale.“Myfatherwasgrabbedbythemostbeautifulofthemall.Theirqueen,even,

heclaims.She,liketheothers,pulledhimdowntotheocean’sfloor.”“And?”“Myfatherstruggledatfirst.Hefoughtwithallhismight,butitwasuseless.

Heknewhewasgoingtodie.Andso,insteadofstrugglinguntilthelackofairbecametoomuchforhim,hedecidedhewouldbecomeapartner inwhatwashappening.”

“Youmean—”“Insteadoffighting,hereturnedherembracesandkisses.Andforwhatever

reason,thissavedhislife.Becauseshebroughthimbacktothesurface.Allthewaybackupontoland.Forachildwhoisconceivedbyasirenonlandwillbemorehumanthannot.”

“Stars,”Ridensays,allotherwordsleavinghim.“My father, and thosewho stayed aboard the ships, left the island, having

goneasfarastheypossiblycouldwithouttheothertwo-thirdsofthemap,andsailedhome.Theywerepermittedtoleaveduetomyfather’sencounterwiththesiren queen. She allowed them to keep their lives instead of sending all hersubjectstofinishthemoff.

“Myfatherhasreturnedtothatislandmanytimessincethen.Buthe’sneverseenanothersiren.”

Ridendoesn’tsayanythingmore.He’stoolostinthought,tryingtotakeitallin. Eventually, his eyes close, and I assume he’s asleep. I stare at his closedeyelids.His deep, even breaths.His full lips.He’s a strangeman. Strange forhavingsavedme.Strangeforfightingsohardtosavehisawfulbrother.Strangefornotfightingforwhathewants—whateverthatmaybe.

IsupposeIwillhaveplentyoftimetobetterfigurehimoutinthefuture.There’sstillone-thirdofamapthatneedsfinding.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This novel wouldn’t have made it to publication without the help of manypeople.First Iwant to thankmyagent,RachelBrooks,who tooka chanceonme, found a home forDaughter of thePirateKing, and continues towork toensure its success.You're a superheroand fairygodmother all rolled intoone,Rachel.Thanksforbeingawesome.

Huge thanks to the team at Feiwel andFriends, especiallyHollyWest,myamazing editor. Your insights into plot and character are invaluable. You’vereally helped me get into Alosa’s head and make this novel shine. I alsoappreciate the efforts of Starr Baer and Kaitlin Severini, who worked asproductioneditorandcopyeditor,respectively.

AnyoneelsebehindthesceneswhoIdidn’tworkwithdirectlybutwhostillhelpedwithDotPK—Iwasonceoneofthosepeopleandknowyouexist—thankyou.

AlekRose, asmycollege roommate, you suffered throughmyalarmgoingoff anhour early so I couldwrite and edit.You letmeyak at you about newbookideasandneverstoppedcheeringmeon.Thankyou,Eerpud.

SarahTalley,MeganGadd,andTaralynJohnson,youarethebestfriendsandcritiquepartnersawritercouldaskfor.Neverchange.

I’msogratefultomybetareaders:GwenCole,KyraNelson,ShannaSexton,JenniferJamieson,ElizabethAnneTaggart,JulietSafier,TylerWolf,SamanthaLee,EricaBell,KyraPierce,GraceTalley,andCandaceHooper.

I need to give a quick shout-out to the Swanky Seventeens, especiallymyagentsisterGwenCole,forkeepingmesaneandsharingthiscrazyridewithme.

ThanksneedtogotoElanaJohnson,whowasinvaluableduringthequeryingprocess forDotPK; toBrandonSanderson,whosecreativewritingclass taughtme somuch about successfulmagic systems; toRickWalton,who taughtmemore than I ever couldhavehoped to learn aboutpublishing; and toKathleenStrasser,withoutwhosehelp,Imayhaveneverstartedwritinginthefirstplace.

IalsoneedtothankmyauntKristaanduncleTim.IdidthemajorityoftheworkonthisbookwhileIwasfinishingmylasttermofcollegeandlivingwithyou.Thankyouforopeningyourhometome.Thankyou,Audrey,forhelpingme brainstorm character names. Thank you, Emmy, for letting me steal yourroom and read to you.Nathan and Jared, thanks formaking sure Iwas neverbored.

And,ofcourse,Iamforevergratefultomyfamily,whosupportedmeeverystep of the way. Thank you,Mom,Dad, Jacob, Becki, Alisa, and Johnny foryourencouragementandlong-sufferingasyoulistenedtometalkaboutthelongroadtopublication.

THANKYOUFORREADINGTHISFEIWELANDFRIENDSBOOK.

TheFriendswhomade

DAUGHTEROFTHEPIRATEKINGpossibleare:

JEANFEIWEL,PublisherLIZSZABLA,EditorinChief

RICHDEAS,SeniorCreativeDirectorHOLLYWEST,Editor

ALEXEIESIKOFF,SeniorManagingEditorRAYMONDERNESTOCOLÓN,SeniorProductionManager

ANNAROBERTO,EditorCHRISTINEBARCELLONA,AssociateEditorEMILYSETTLE,AdministrativeAssistant

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FollowusonFacebookorvisitusonlineatmackids.com.

OURBOOKSAREFRIENDSFORLIFE

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

TriciaLevensellerisfromasmalltowninOregon,butshenowlivesnexttotheRockyMountainsinUtahwithherbossydog,Rosy.ShereceivedherdegreeinEnglishLanguage andEditing, and she is thrilled that sheneverhas to read atextbookagain.Whenshe’snotwritingorreading,Triciaenjoysputtingtogetherjigsawpuzzles, playing volleyball, andwatching her favoriteTV showswhileeatingextra-butteredpopcorn.Daughterof thePirateKing isherdebutnovel.Youcanvisitherattricialevenseller.com,orsignupforemailupdateshere.

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Contents

TitlePage

CopyrightNotice

Dedication

Epigraph

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Acknowledgments

AbouttheAuthor

Copyright

Textcopyright©2017byTriciaLevenseller.Endpaperartandhandletteringcopyright©2017byJenWang.

AFEIWELANDFRIENDSBOOKAnimprintofMacmillanPublishingGroup,LLC175FifthAvenue,NewYork,NewYork10010fiercereads.comAllrightsreserved.

FeiwelandFriendslogodesignedbyFilomenaTuosto

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataNames:Levenseller,Tricia,author.Title:Daughterofthepirateking/TriciaLevenseller.Description:Firstedition.|NewYork:FeiwelandFriends,2017.|Summary:“Whenherfather,theruthless

pirateking,discoversthatalegendarytreasuremapcanbefoundonanenemyship,hisdaughterAlosaknowsthatthere’sonlyonepirateforthejobherself.Leavingbehindherbelovedshipandcrew,Alosadeliberatelyfacilitatesherownkidnappingtoensureherwelcomeontheship”—Providedbypublisher.

Identifiers:LCCN2016009251(print)|LCCN2016036126(ebook)|ISBN9781250095961(hardback)|ISBN9781250095978(ebook)

Subjects:|CYAC:Pirates—Fiction.|Princesses—Fiction.|Love—Fiction.Classification:LCCPZ7.1.L4858Dau2017(print)|LCCPZ7.1.L4858(ebook)|DDC[Fic]—dc23LCrecordavailableathttps://lccn.loc.gov/2016009251

OureBooksmaybepurchasedinbulkforpromotional,educational,orbusinessuse.PleasecontacttheMacmillanCorporateandPremiumSalesDepartmentat(800)221-7945ext.5442orbye-mailatMacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.

Firsthardcoveredition2017eBookeditionFebruary2017

eISBN9781250095978